Disseminated toxoplasmosis. Case report and review of the literature.

A 40-year-old man had disseminated toxoplasmosis preceded by miliary tuberculosis and associated with skin anergy. In previously reported cases of disseminated toxoplasmosis, the three organs most commonly involved were brain, heart, and lungs. The histopathologic picture of toxoplasmal lymphadenopathy was not present in our case or in previously reported cases. Therefore, we believe that the diagnosis of disseminated toxoplasmosis should not be rejected simply because of the likely absence of toxoplasmal lymphadenopathy in biopsy material. The thymus in our case was morphologically abnormal and showed features suggestive of an autoimmune process.

Meningoencephalitis due to a Sarcocystis neurona-like protozoan in Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi).

Seven Pacific harbor seals with meningoencephalitis associated with Sarcocystis neurona-like protozoa are described. Six of the 7 seals were free-ranging and were found stranded over an 80-km stretch of central California coastline; the other was captive. All had marked to severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, most severe in the cerebellar cortex. Immunohistochemistry for S. neurona antigens was positive on brain tissue in all cases, revealing numerous merozoites as well as developing and mature schizonts, including rosette forms. Electron microscopy performed on 3 animals revealed merozoites and schizonts consistent with Sarcocystis sp., with the absence of rhoptries in merozoites, lack of a parasitophorous vacuole around schizonts, and division by endopolygeny. Serology using western blotting revealed the presence of anti-S. neurona immunoglobulins in the sera of 4 of 5 seals tested. Four animals also had a concurrent mild to moderate nonsuppurative myocarditis; in 1 seal, rare sarcocysts of undetermined species were present within cardiomyocytes.

Neospora caninum infection in three dogs.

Infection with Neospora caninum in three young dogs is described. The predominant clinical signs were lower motor neuron deficits of the pelvic limbs, bladder and rectum. In two cases there was liver infection and dysfunction. The younger dogs had an acute onset rapidly progressive syndrome. The older dog had a similar but more chronic course. The diagnosis was confirmed by an immunofluorescence antibody test. The parasite is sensitive to clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulphonamide preparations, however the prognosis for return to function is poor especially if muscle contracture has occurred.

[Penetration of amoebae into ganglion cells of the cerebral cortex in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]. / Prunik améb do gangliových bunek kory mozku cloveka pri primární amébové meningoencefalitidé.

The intracellular penetrating activity of amoebas of Limax-type (vs. Naegleria fowleri) was observed in a previously published case of the PAME with fulminant lethal course in man. This invasion concerned some ganglion cells of the cerebral cortex and - exceptionally - also the Purkinje-cells in the cerebellum. As to the formal genesis, adjacent and penetrating forms were identified in relation to the ganglion cells, and finally invaded neurons containing solitary or - exceptionally - two parasites were noted. This phenomenon of the intraneuronal lesion due to amoebae in PAME is said to be in relation to the active penetrating activity of the relatively small and mobile type of the protozoal parasite in invaded host tissues.