Central nervous system toxoplasmosis in the AIDS patient

Toxoplasmosis is a central nervous system infection commonly occurring in persons with HIV disease. The disease can manifest as encephalitis and cause neurological damage. The author presents an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of toxoplasmosis. The nurse's role in the management of patients diagnosed with the disease is discussed, including doing comprehensive, on-going assessments, providing education, and addressing quality-of-life issues.