Toxoplasmosis submandibular lymphadenitis: Report of an unusual case with a brief review

A Diagnostic Challenge: Toxoplasmosis Masquerading as Tonsillar Neoplasm

This case report elucidates an uncommon manifestation of toxoplasmosis characterized by an ulcerative oropharyngeal lesion and cervical lymphadenopathy, which intriguingly simulated a tonsillar neoplasm. The patient, a 28-year-old immunocompetent woman, reported symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, unilateral neck pain, and otalgia. Despite the initial clinical impressions, a diagnostic left subtotal tonsillectomy revealed no malignancy but marked acute and chronic inflammation. A comprehensive investigation subsequently indicated a recent primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii, as evidenced by the presence of high IgM antibodies and low IgG avidity. This unique case underlines the significance of incorporating toxoplasmosis into the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal lesions, thereby necessitating a meticulous approach to laboratory testing. Laryngoscope, 134:1741-1743, 2024.

Toxoplasma Lymphadenopathy in an Immunocompetent Host

Toxoplasma infection can be congenital or acquired. Infection with <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> can result in multi-organ involvement in immunocompromised patients; whereas in immunocompetent patients, it usually remains asymptomatic. <i>Toxoplasma</i> is a rare cause of isolated lymphadenopathy especially in immunocompetent individuals, though it is a common manifestation of this protozoal infection. We present a 27-year-old male who presented to us with isolated cervical lymphadenopathy. Histopathology and serological studies confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasma lymphadenopathy. It usually affects the posterior cervical group of lymph nodes, but in our case, it had also affected anterior group and presented without any constitutional symptom. The patient was treated with cotrimoxazole double strength tablet once daily for 1 month and responded well.

Role of Imaging in a Case of Toxoplasmosis Presenting as Generalized Lymphadenopathy

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii an obligate protozoan intracellular parasite. The disease has variable prevalence globally and is usually asymptomatic. Pregnant and immunocompromised people are at risk of getting infected. Enlarged lymph nodes are the most frequently observed clinical form of Toxoplasma in humans, mostly affecting posterior cervical nodes. Other organs usually affected are the brain and eyes. We present a case of toxoplasmosis with generalized lymphadenopathy mimicking metastasis in a lady with a previous history of operated pancreatic neoplasm.

The Potential Contribution of ABO, Lewis and Secretor Histo-Blood Group Carbohydrates in Infection by Toxoplasma gondii

The glycosyltransferases encoded by genes from the human ABO, Lewis, and Secretor histo-blood group systems synthesize part of the carbohydrate antigens in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic tissues. The combined action of these glycosyltransferases strongly influences cell, tissue, mucosa, and exocrine secretion carbohydrate phenotypes, including those serving as habitat for mutualistic and pathogenic microorganisms. A set of reports investigated associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and the ABO histo-blood group system, but the results are contradictory. As T. gondii uses the gastrointestinal tract as a route for infection, and in this organ, the expression of ABO, Lewis, and Secretor histo-blood group carbohydrates occurs, it is reasonable to suppose some biological relationship between them. This text reviewed association studies published in recent decades focusing on the potential contribution of the ABO, Lewis, and Secretor histo-blood group carbohydrates and infection by T. gondii.