Detection of toxoplasma tachyzoites in the cerebrospinal fluid of a COVID-19 positive SLE patient: a case study

The recurrence of latent toxoplasmosis is a frequent cause of toxoplasmic encephalopathy in individuals with immunosuppressive conditions or medication. If left untreated or diagnosed is delayed, it often resulting in fatality. The pathogen of Toxoplasma gondii has been identified in cerebrospinal fluid cytology and a limited number of documented cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis, typically observed in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report the identification of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and concurrent SARS-CoV-2 positive infection. The presented case suggests that cerebral toxoplasmosis should be promptly considered when patients with systemic lupus erythematosus exhibit neurological manifestations.