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Toxoplasma encephalitis in recent Haitian entrants
Southern Medical Journal
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) in Haitian immigrants presented with rapid neurological decline and death, often following tuberculosis treatment. This suggests TE may be an AIDS-defining illness in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) is a serious opportunistic infection.
- Haitian immigrants in the US have been observed to have a higher incidence of certain opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- Five cases of TE in recent Haitian entrants were evaluated.
- Patients lacked known immunosuppressive conditions like malignancy.
- Four patients had prior disseminated tuberculosis and were on antituberculous therapy.
Findings:
- Neurologic symptoms (lethargy, seizures, motor weakness) rapidly progressed to coma and death within 15 days.
- Peripheral lymphocytopenia and anergy were common.
- CT scans revealed parenchymal brain lesions, and spinal fluid showed elevated protein levels.
Implications:
- TE may be a manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Haitians.
- Suspect TE in individuals with febrile illness and central nervous system lesions.
- Highlights the importance of considering opportunistic infections in immunocompromised populations.