Use of biopsy and polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an HIV-positive female patient. A case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20453/rmh.v35i4.5670

Keywords:

Toxoplasmosis Cerebral, Biopsy, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Pregnancy, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Abstract

Infection by T. gondii is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among people infected with HIV. The disease presents cerebral or encephalic involvement, especially among severely immunosuppressed patients. We present the case of HIV-infected pregnant women who presented with focal neurological manifestations during the second trimester of gestation. A single intracerebral lesion was found on brain imaging, and a brain biopsy and PCR identified toxoplasmosis. She improved clinically and radiographically after receiving proper treatment. The main contribution of our case is implementing a molecular test to define the diagnosis instead of a therapeutic challenge that may not make the diagnosis.

 

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Author Biographies

Marco Antonio Zuñiga-Rosas, Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren

Médico Asistente Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren

Eddie Giampiere Díaz-Carrión, Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren

Médico Asistente Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren

References

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Published

2024-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Cámara-Reyes RR, Zuñiga-Rosas MA, Díaz-Carrión EG. Use of biopsy and polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an HIV-positive female patient. A case report. Rev Méd Hered [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 30 [cited 2025 Feb. 3];35(4):231-7. Available from: http://44.198.254.164/index.php/RMH/article/view/5670

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