Toxoplasma serology in HIV-infected patients at Bobo-Dioulasso hospital (Burkina Faso).

A study was conducted in the Internal Medicine unit of Bobo-Dioulasso Hospi tal. Of the 1828 HIV positive patients admitted in medical wards, 268 prese nted neurological symptoms. 25.4% had positive Toxoplasma gondii serology. Encephalitis was associated with 12.5% of this latter group and intracrania l hypertension with focal neurological defects affected a further 47.5% of them. Presumptive treatment of toxoplasmosis led to significant clinical im provement in 60% of cases. Toxoplasma gondii serology should be part of the standard check-up for every HIV-infected patient, and toxoplasmosis chemop rophylaxis should be given to those with positive toxoplasma serology. Pres umptive therapy of toxoplasmosis should be started for all HIV positive pat ients with focal neurological manifestations in the absence of a cerebral s canner.