Implementation of Molecular Surveillance After a Cluster of Fatal Toxoplasmosis at 2 Neighboring Transplant Centers

Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Aug 15;63(4):565-8. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw330. Epub 2016 May 19.

Abstract

After a cluster of fatal toxoplasmosis among stem cell transplant recipients at 2 hospitals, surveillance with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (blood) was instituted. Rate of reactivation among seropositive recipients was 2.2 and 16%. Parasitemia was successfully managed with preemptive treatment. For seropositive recipients unable to take prophylaxis, toxoplasma PCR surveillance should be routinely performed.

Keywords: CD34+ selected; T-cell depleted; reactivation; stem cell transplant; toxoplasmosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Parasitemia
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Toxoplasma / genetics
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / mortality
  • Toxoplasmosis / parasitology
  • Transplant Recipients