Alpha-chain disease, schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis: a case report in Brazil and follow-up for 5 years.

A case of alpha-chain disease associated with schistosomiasis mansoni and radiological and immunological findings suggestive of toxoplasmosis is reported. This patient has been followed-up for five years and is in clinical remission while taking tetracycline, prednisone and cyclophosphamide. This first report of alpha-chain disease in Brazil emphasizes certain common features of the various report of alpha-chain disease like the low socio-economic background of all individuals, and all living in areas where parasitic infections are endemic. A discussion of the probable etiopathogenesis of the disease is also presented.