An Outbreak of Toxoplasmosis Linked to Cats

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-712
Author(s):  
Sergio Stagno ◽  
Aubert C. Dykes ◽  
Catherine S. Amos ◽  
Robert A. Head ◽  
Dennis D. Juranek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extended Family ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Epidemiologic Evidence ◽  
Serologic Evidence ◽  
Brain Abscesses ◽  
Simultaneous Infection ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis

Clinical, serologic, and epidemiologic evidence documents an outbreak of toxoplasmosis involving ten of 30 members of an extended family. The index patient had unusual clinical manifestations including brain abscesses, progressive chorioretinitis, seizures, neurologic deficits, hepatosplenomegaly, pneumonitis, and eosinophilia. Toxoplasmosis was confirmed by demonstrating the organism in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluids; clinical and serologic evidence also indicated infection with Toxocara (visceral larva migrans). This outbreak of toxoplasmosis was confined largely to preschoolaged children. Of the 11 such children, seven (68%) were seropositive, six of whom had high acute-phase titers (≥1024) to Toxoplasma and a disease consistent with acute toxoplasmosis. All six of the latter group required specific chemotherapy. Geophagia was associated statistically with acute toxoplasmosis among the children; it also increased the risk of infection with Toxocara and enteroparasites. Two school-aged children and two adults had serologic evidence of acute toxoplasmosis, but only one of the group was symptomatic. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that this outbreak was probably caused by ingesting oocysts from cat feces. We suggest that the severe and unusual clinical manifestations of the index patient resulted from simultaneous infection with Toxoplasma and Toxocara.

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS ON ENTEROVIRUS INFECTION IN A CIRCUMSCRIBED COMMUNITY DURING AN EPIDEMIC OF ECHO 9 INFECTION

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1960 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-26
Author(s):  
Martha Lipson Lepow ◽  
David H. Carver ◽  
Frederick C. Robbins
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Inapparent Infection ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Echo Virus ◽  
Serologic Evidence ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Simultaneous Infection ◽  
Group B

A clinical, epidemiologic and laboratory study was undertaken in a housing development during an epidemic of illness due to ECHO virus, type 9. The clinical manifestations varied with age. The younger children exhibited an exanthem while older persons frequently had evidence of irritation of the central nervous system. Multiple cases occurred within families, with the incidence of illness highest in the younger age groups. No serious consequences of the illness were seen. Echo 9 virus was recovered with greater frequency from the intestinal contents of young children with illness than from ill adults, although serologic evidence of recent infection in these adults could be demonstrated. The rate of inapparent infection with ECHO 9 virus was low. Virus rarely persisted in the feces beyond 14 days after onset of illness. Group B Coxsackie viruses, type 4 and type 5, were found also to be the cause of many infections within the same population at the same time. Illnesses due to these viruses were similar to those due to ECHO 9 virus, except that no eruption was observed. The rate of inapparent infection was higher than that observed with ECHO 9 virus. Simultaneous infection with ECHO 9 virus and Coxsackie B4 or B5 virus was rare.

scholarly journals Genetic polymorphism for IFNγ +874T/A in patients with acute toxoplasmosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth de Souza Neves ◽  
André Luis Land Curi ◽  
Maira Cavalcanti de Albuquerque ◽  
Cassius Schnel Palhano-Silva ◽  
Laura Berriel da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Duration Of Disease ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Control Study

INTRODUCTION: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding gamma interferon influences its production and is associated with severity of infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of IFNγ+874T/A SNP with duration of disease, morbidity, and development of retinochoroiditis in acute toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 30 patients and 90 controls. RESULTS: Although statistical associations were not confirmed, A-allele was more common among retinochoroiditis cases and prolonged illness, while T-allele was more frequent in severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Despite few cases, the results could indicate a relation between IFNγ+874T/A single nucleotide polymorphism and clinical manifestations of toxoplasmosis.

Children in Self-Care: A New Priority for Pediatricians

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 548-549
Author(s):  
PATRICIA FOSARELLI
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Divorce Rate ◽  
Common Reason ◽  
After School ◽  
Alternative Care ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Common Time ◽  
World Report

Everyday in this country, approximately 2 to 5 million 6- to 13-year-old children are in their own care1,2 (US News and World Report, Sept 14, 1981, pp 42, 47). In addition, at least 20,000 children younger than 6 years care for themselves.1 These figures are estimates because many parents do not like to admit to the practice of leaving their children alone. The most common time children are in selfcare is after school, and the most common reason is because their parents work and alternative care arrangements might be unavailable or unaffordable. Currently, 47% of mothers of preschool children and 64% of mothers of school-aged children work outside of the home.3 This situation, coupled with the increasing number of families headed by women, the staggering 50% divorce rate in this country, and the disappearance of the extended family, creates a situation in which certain children must care for themselves.

scholarly journals Toxoplasmosis Outbreak Associated With Toxoplasma gondii-Contaminated Venison—High Attack Rate, Unusual Clinical Presentation, and Atypical Genotype

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy C Schumacher ◽  
Lina I Elbadawi ◽  
Traci DeSalvo ◽  
Anne Straily ◽  
Daniel Ajzenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Wisconsin Department ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Infection Source ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Prior Infection

Abstract Background During 2017, in response to a physician’s report, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, began investigating an outbreak of febrile illness among attendees of a retreat where never frozen, intentionally undercooked, locally harvested venison was served. Preliminary testing tentatively identified the illness as toxoplasmosis. Methods Confirmatory human serology panels and testing of the venison to confirm and categorize the presence and type of Toxoplasma gondii were completed by French and American national reference laboratories. All 12 retreat attendees were interviewed; medical records were reviewed. Results All attendees were male; median age was 51 years (range: 22–75). After a median incubation period of 7 days, 9 (82%) of 11 exposed persons experienced illness lasting a median of 12 days. All 9 sought outpatient healthcare for symptoms including fever, chills, sweats, and headache (100%) and ocular disturbances (33%). Testing confirmed the illness as toxoplasmosis and venison as the infection source. Multiple laboratory results were atypical for toxoplasmosis, including transaminitis (86%), lymphocytopenia (88%), thrombocytopenia (38%), and leukopenia (63%). One exposed but asymptomatic person was seronegative; the other had immunity from prior infection. The T. gondii strain was identified as closely related to an atypical genotype (haplogroup 12, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism genotype 5) common in North American wildlife but with previously uncharacterized human clinical manifestations. Conclusions The T. gondii strain contaminating the venison might explain the unusual clinical presentations. In North America, clinicians and venison consumers should be aware of risk for severe or unusual presentations of acute toxoplasmosis after consuming undercooked game meat.

scholarly journals IgM and IgA Antibody Responses in 12 Cases of Human Acquired Toxoplasmosis

1997 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emília E. H. TAKAHASHI ◽  
Cláudio L. ROSSI
Keyword(s):  
Serological Test ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Iga Antibodies ◽  
Direct Elisa ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Acquired Toxoplasmosis

The persistence, in some subjects, of specific IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii for several months after the acute phase of infection has complicated the interpretation of serological test results for toxoplasmosis. Several reports have emphasized the value of the detection of Toxoplasma-specific IgA antibodies for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. In this article, we report the follow-up profiles of Toxoplasma-specific IgM and IgA antibodies in serum samples obtained from 12 patients at various intervals after the onset of the clinical manifestations of infection. IgM antibodies were detected by the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test, antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and enzyme-mediated chemilluminescent technique (CmL). IgA antibodies were quantified by the direct ELISA (dELISA) and cELISA procedures. As defined by the manufacturer of the cELISA test for IgA used, most patients with acute toxoplasmosis have antibody levels > 40 arbritary units per ml (AU/ml). At values > 40 AU/ml, the cELISA for IgA detected significant antibody levels for a shorter time than the other techniques used for IgM and IgA detection. However, IgA levels <FONT FACE="Symbol">£</font> 40 AU/ml do not exclude the possibility of acute toxoplasmosis since such levels can be reached very soon after infection with T. gondii. The results obtained in the present study show that the serological diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis may not be such an easy task. Our data suggest that use of the IgA-cELISA concomitantly with IgM antibody screening could permit, in some circumstances, a more efficient diagnosis of acute acquired toxoplasmosis

scholarly journals Toxocariasis: Clinical Aspects, Epidemiology, Medical Ecology, and Molecular Aspects

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dickson Despommier
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Molecular Aspects ◽  
And Control

SUMMARY Toxocariasis is caused by a series of related nematode species (ascarids) that routinely infect dogs and cats throughout the world. The eggs from these ascarids are common environmental contaminants of human habitation, due largely to the fact that many kinds of dogs and cats serve as pets, while countless others run wild throughout the streets of most urban centers. The eggs, present in dog and cat feces, become infectious within weeks after they are deposited in the local environment (e.g., sandboxes, city parks, and public beaches, etc.). Humans, particularly children, frequently ingest these eggs by accident and become infected. Infection in humans, in contrast to their definitive hosts, remains occult, often resulting in disease caused by the migrating larval stages. Visceral larva migrans (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM) are two clinical manifestations that result in definable syndromes and present as serious health problems wherever they occur. Diagnosis and treatment of VLM and OLM are difficult. These issues are summarized in this review, with emphasis on the ecology of transmission and control of spread to both humans and animals through public health initiatives employing treatment of pets and environmental intervention strategies that limit the areas that dogs and cats are allowed within the confines of urban centers.

scholarly journals Brain Abscess Due to Nocardia in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.210971
Author(s):  
Zhuoxuan Li ◽  
Dongling Li ◽  
Pan Lv ◽  
Jianping Liu
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Brain Abscess ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Central Nervous System Infections ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Brain Abscesses

Nocardia brain abscesses mainly occur in immunosuppressive hosts1 and comprise only 2% of all intracranial abscesses. It is difficult to identify central nervous system infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus because of the silent clinical manifestations and their simulation of lupus encephalopathy.2

scholarly journals Identification of KRAS mutation in a patient with linear nevus sebaceous syndrome: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Pan ◽  
Xiaowei Zhou ◽  
Anlan Hong ◽  
Fang Fang ◽  
Yan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Kras Mutation ◽  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Lesional Skin ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Nevus Sebaceous

Abstract Background Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome (LNSS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by large linear sebaceous nevus typically on the face, scalp, or neck. LNSS could be accompanied by multisystem disorders including the central nervous system. Herein, we report gene mutational profile via whole exome sequencing of both lesional and non-lesional skin samples in a LNSS patient. Case presentation A 17-year-old girl presented with multisystem abnormalities, including large skin lesions, ocular disorders, abnormal bone development and neurological symptoms. A diagnosis of LNSS was established based on clinical manifestations, histopathological and imaging findings. The skin lesions were resected and no recurrence was noted at the time of drafting this report. Whole exome sequencing of genomic DNA revealed the following 3 mutations in the lesions of the index patient: KRAS (c.35G > A, p.G12D), PRKRIR (c.A1674T, p.R558S), and RRP7A (c. C670T, p.R224W), but no mutation was found in the healthy skin and peripheral blood sample of the index patient, or in the blood samples of her parents and sibling. PCR-mediated Sanger sequencing of DNA derived from lesional skin sample of the index patient verified KRAS mutation, but not PRKRIR (c.A1674T, p.R558S) and RRP7A (c. C670T, p.R224W). None of the 3 mutations was found in Sanger sequencing in skin lesions of 60 other cases of nevus sebaceous patients. Conclusions Our findings show the relevance of KRAS mutation to LNSS, providing new clues in understanding related genetic heterogeneity which could aid genetic counselling for LNSS patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document