Cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to toxoplasmosis

Acquired lymphadenopathic toxoplasmosis is an insidious disease with protean manifestations. It usually follows a benign course. It is caused by a protozoan parasite, Isospora alias Toxoplasma. Infection is contracted by ingestion of raw encysted meat or ingestion of the oocyst found in cat litter. There is a large infected human population with a relatively high infection rate. The diagnosis is suggested by a nonspecific symptom complex, lymphadenopathy associated with a relative lymphocytosis, atypical lymphocytes, and a negative. heterophile antigen test. The microscopic findings of eosinophilic histiocytes further suggests toxoplasmosis. High serologic titers are considered most conclusive in diagnosing this usually self-limited infection. Three cases in which biopsy was warranted are presented.