Pulmonary and Renal Toxoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens known today. It is a global health hazard as they infect 30-50% of the world's human population. Acute toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic and self-limited in immunocompetent people, recovering without treatment and do not require specific therapy. Therefore, rare complications are associated with infection in the individuals with normal immune systems. However, we present a rare case of an immunocompetent man with acute T. gondii infection confirmed by serology, subsequently presented with two life-threatening organ dysfunctions: severe renal and pulmonary involvement, requiring hospitalization and anti-parasitic treatment.

Public Health Significance of Human Toxoplasmosis

“…Congenital transmission may lead to severe problems including abortion, hydrocephalus, neurological disorders, severe impairments in vision, hearing, mental disabilities, and retinochoroiditis. Reactivation of undiagnosed congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to ocular toxoplasmosis later in life leading, in many cases, to blindness even with treatment [17,18]. However, women newly infected with Toxoplasma during or shortly before pregnancy and anyone with a compromised immune system should be aware that toxoplasmosis can have severe consequences [19,20].…”