Immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in an immunocompetent patient

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in immunocompetent adults is usually asymptomatic and needs no specific therapy. We report the case of a 16-year-old previous healthy adolescent who presented with bleeding due to immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura during an acute acquired T. gondii infection. Treatment with prednisolone and immunoglobulin resulted in a relative increase in the platelet count. Taking into account the fact that the patient became immunocompromised under corticosteroids, specific antitoxoplasmal treatment has been added. The difficulties in treatment decision in this rare case are discussed.