POLYMYOSITIS AND TOXOPLASMOSIS

Extensive severe polymyositis in a patient with toxoplasmosis was presented. Toxoplasmosis was serologically substantiated by a serial two‐tube rise in a toxoplasma‐antibody titer by a hemagglutination test. What appeared to be toxoplasma gondii was detected in areas of myositis. Toxoplasma gondii was found in a single small area of hepatic necrosis, but no other organ or tissue was involved. Thus, the present case was peculiar in respect that skeletal muscles were the major target of toxoplasmosis. A causal relationship between toxoplasmosis and polymyositis was discussed and the literatures were reviewed. Serological investigation and histopathological search for toxoplasma gondii should be done in every case of polymyositis not only for the appropriate therapy but also for the further elucidation of the relationship between toxoplasmosis and polymyositis.