Probable Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii by Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Two heart transplant recipients developed toxoplasmosis shortly after surgery. As neither recipient had serologic evidence of exposure to T. gondii before transplantationin from an exogenous source. Of the possible modes of transmission of Toxoplasma to the recipients, infection by the oral route or through transfusion of blood or blood products seems remote. Since both heart donors had serologic evidence of recently acquired toxoplasma infection at the time of transplantation and the myocardium can be infected with the organism during acute infection, the donors'' hearts were the most likely source of toxoplasma infection in the recipients.