B58.3

Clinical Causes: Reactivation of latent Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompromised individuals. Inhalation of parasite oocysts from contaminated soil, water, or aerosols. Transmission through organ transplantation from an infected donor. Congenital transmission during pregnancy, although this typically affects the fetal brain and eyes more than the lungs.

Key Symptoms: Persistent cough, which may be dry or produce sputum. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Chest pain or discomfort, often worsened by coughing or deep breathing. Fever and night sweats. Fatigue and general malaise. Unintended weight loss in some cases.

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing pulmonary toxoplasmosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Chest X-rays or CT scans may reveal nodular or infiltrative patterns in the lungs. Serological testing can identify Toxoplasma gondii antibodies indicating current or past infection. Additionally, molecular diagnostics such as PCR tests may detect the parasite’s DNA in respiratory samples. In immunocompromised patients, tissue biopsy might be necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine, along with folinic acid to reduce side effects. In some cases, especially in severely immunocompromised patients, additional supportive therapies may be provided. Managing the underlying immune deficiency is crucial to prevent recurrence and facilitate recovery. The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of infection and immune status, but it often extends for several weeks to months.