What are the key clinical features and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection that I should be aware of in my patients?

For patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients, key clinical features of Toxoplasma gondii infection can include central nervous system (CNS) involvement, pneumonitis, and chorioretinitis (McCabe, 1990).

CNS toxoplasmosis is the most common manifestation in cancer patients, often presenting with focal neurological deficits, seizures, or altered mental status (McCabe, 1990).

Pneumonitis can manifest as fever, cough, and dyspnoea, while chorioretinitis may lead to visual disturbances (McCabe, 1990).

Risk factors for developing active Toxoplasma gondii infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals, include a prior latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (McCabe, 1990).

Reactivation of this latent infection is a significant concern in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapies or those with compromised immune systems due to underlying conditions like cancer (McCabe, 1990).

While UK guidelines for antenatal care address uncomplicated pregnancy ¹,², specific details regarding Toxoplasma gondii clinical features and risk factors for the general population are not provided within the current context from these guidelines.