TOXOPLASMOSIS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Five proven cases of toxoplasmosis in infants and nine cases in which the clinical and laboratory evidence strongly suggested this diagnosis in infants and children are presented.

We have pointed out that only one or two of the cardinal manifestations may be evident in a patient in whom the diagnosis has been established by the finding of the typical pathologic lesions and the organism. This was the case in two of the patients reported, both of whom had internal hydrocephalus but did not have either cerebral calcification or chorioretinitis.

The presence of internal hydrocephalus particularly with spinal fluid changes such as elevated protein and pleocytosis should suggest to the clinician the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. When the classical triad or tetrad of symptoms and signs of the disease is present and the neutralization test is positive, the diagnosis probably should be made since isolation of the organism from the patient is so difficult at the present time.

Jaundice can be the presenting complaint in a patient with congenital toxoplasmosis.