HIV-Related Toxoplasmosis Infection. A Rare Case of Simultaneous Cardiac and Cerebral Involvement

Yekosani Mitala,1 Nathan Murungi,1 Abraham Birungi,1 Samuel Tumwesigire,1 Simeon Eloba,1 Augustine Mutudhu,1 Moses Arineitwe,1 Dianah Ishimwe,2 Richard Dratu,1 Francis Nsumba Kitenda,1 Joel Musayi,1 Hope Mudondo,2 Raymond Atwine1 1Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, UgandaCorrespondence: Yekosani Mitala, Email [email protected]: Toxoplasmosis is a significant opportunistic infection among people living with HIV (PLHIV), primarily manifesting as cerebral disease. Cardiac involvement, while rare, significantly complicates clinical management. This report describes an unusual presentation of concurrent cerebral and cardiac toxoplasmosis in a 50-year-old HIV-positive male initially treated for severe malaria. Despite initial symptomatic relief, the patient rapidly deteriorated neurologically and subsequently succumbed. The autopsy revealed characteristic cerebral and myocardial lesions confirmed by histopathology. The case underscores the diagnostic complexities and the necessity for high clinical suspicion in managing PLHIV with atypical presentations, especially in malaria-endemic areas.Keywords: toxoplasmosis, HIV/AIDS, cerebral toxoplasmosis, cardiac toxoplasmosis, diagnostic challenges, opportunistic infections