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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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Reactivated Toxoplasmic Encephalitis-A case report with histopathology, ultrastructure and pathogenesis analysis
Shiou-Rong Wu1, Jang-Shian Liang1, Ya-Wei Weng2
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Reactivated toxoplasmic encephalitis in an HIV-positive patient demonstrated Toxoplasma gondii infecting blood vessels, causing inflammation and necrosis. This case highlights the crucial link between parasite form and function in disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Toxoplasmic encephalitis is a serious opportunistic infection in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated immune compromise.
- Reactivation occurs when the balance between host immunity and Toxoplasma gondii cysts is disrupted.
Observation:
- Pathological analysis revealed tachyzoites spilling from ruptured Toxoplasma cysts.
- Toxoplasma gondii was observed to infect endothelial cells, leading to vasculitis and ischemic necrosis in the brain.
- Transmission electron microscopy identified the parasite's apical complex and rhoptry organelles, crucial for invasion and reproduction.
Findings:
- The study details the pathophysiology of toxoplasmic encephalitis, correlating histopathological findings with the parasite's morphology and function.
- Demonstrated the 'form-function correlation' of Toxoplasma gondii in causing brain tissue damage.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of preventing toxoplasma infection in public health strategies.
- Suggests incorporating pathophysiology-based morphological interpretation into pathology resident training for improved diagnostic skills.
