Trypanosoma cruzi meningoencephalitis in HIV-infected patients

Five cases of Trypanosoma cruzi meningoencephalitis in HIV-infected patient s an reported. All patients presented with mass lesions on head computed to mographic scan, trypanosomes in the cerebrospinal fluid and failure to resp ond to antitoxoplasmosis therapy. Benznidazole therapy was associated with clinical improvement in 1 patient. Another 4 patients had T cruzi identifie d in a peripheral smear. T cruzi needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIV-infected patients with central nervous system mass lesion s if they have a history of appropriate exposure.