Which statement is false regarding Toxoplasma gondii: acquired through organ transplantation, causes necrotizing encephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, diagnosed by detecting trophozoites in stool, or transmitted through undercooked meat?

From the Guidelines

The statement that is false regarding Toxoplasma gondii is: diagnosed by detecting trophozoites in stool.

Reasons for this answer

• The diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection is typically made by detecting antibodies in the blood, such as serum IgG, or by PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or tissue samples 1.
• Stool testing is not a common method for diagnosing Toxoplasma gondii infection, as the parasite is typically found in tissues such as the brain, heart, and lungs, rather than in the gastrointestinal tract.
• The other options are all supported by the evidence: Toxoplasma gondii can be acquired through organ transplantation, particularly when a seronegative recipient receives an organ from a seropositive donor 1, and it can cause necrotizing encephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with AIDS 1.
• Additionally, Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted through undercooked meat, particularly pork, lamb, or venison, as well as through contact with contaminated soil or cat feces 1.
• Key points to note are:
  • Transmission routes: contact with contaminated soil, undercooked meat, organ transplantation, and cat feces.
  • Diagnosis: serum IgG, CSF PCR, and tissue sampling.
  • Clinical features: necrotizing encephalitis, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits in immunocompromised individuals.

From the Research

Toxoplasma gondii Infection

• Toxoplasma gondii can be acquired through organ transplantation, as evidenced by a study that found skin grafts and various organs infected with T. gondii can be sources of infection in immunocompromised hosts 2.
• T. gondii can cause necrotizing encephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, which can be life-threatening 3, 4.
• The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is typically established by direct detection of the parasite or by serological techniques, not by detecting trophozoites in stool 3.
• T. gondii can be transmitted through undercooked meat, as the parasite can be found in tissue cysts in the meat of infected animals 5, 6, 3, 4.

False Statement

• The statement that is false regarding Toxoplasma gondii is that it is diagnosed by detecting trophozoites in stool, as this is not a typical method of diagnosis 3.