Toxoplasmic encephalitis in the AIDS patient

Toxoplasmic encephalitis was observed early in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and has now been recognized as the major cause of opportunistic infection of the central nervous system after human immunodeficiency virus infection. This complication of AIDS usually represents a reactivation of latent infection. At present, the definitive diagnosis can be made only by demonstrating the protozoan causal agent, Toxoplasma gondii, in brain tissue. Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are effective treatments. Nurses are challenged to understand this neurological manifestation of AIDS. Since therapy is life-long, patient education is important in addressing discharge planning concerns and return-to-community issues.