Work

Central Nervous System Toxoplasmosis in the Setting of Mycophenolate Mofetil Monotherapy for Autoimmune Hepatitis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection most often reported in patients with HIV/AIDS and solid organ transplantation. Its occurrence in immunocompetent patients is rare and even less commonly reported in those receiving single-agent immunosuppressive therapy. We present a unique case of CNS toxoplasmosis in a 68-year-old seropositive female with autoimmune hepatitis maintained on long-term mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) monotherapy. She presented with a 2-day history of confusion and expressive aphasia, without fever or focal neurologic deficits. Brain MRI revealed multiple ring-enhancing lesions, prompting a broad differential diagnosis including malignancy, abscess, and demyelination. A stereotactic biopsy confirmed necrotic tissue harboring Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and cysts. Her serum Toxoplasma IgG was markedly elevated, indicating reactivation rather than primary infection. Treatment with high-dose sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim led to radiologic and clinical improvement. MMF was discontinued, and the patient remained stable off immunosuppression under close hepatic monitoring. This case underscores the underestimated risk of opportunistic infections associated with chronic MMF monotherapy in non-HIV, nontransplant populations. As similar cases begin to emerge in the literature, clinicians must recognize that MMF can sufficiently impair immune defenses to permit CNS toxoplasmosis. This report contributes to a growing body of evidence advocating for broader awareness of atypical presentations of opportunistic neuroinfections in autoimmune disease management.

Source: Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports

DOI: 10.1177/23247096251366928

Authors: Sathish Krishnan, Vijaya Sivalingam Ramalingam, Anam Naumaan

Institutions: Community Health Network, Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200