Which parasitic infection is commonly acquired from undercooked meat and often affects individuals with HIV?

Enhance your knowledge with the Internal Medicine End of Rotation Exam. Challenge yourself with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations to ensure you excel.

Toxoplasmosis is indeed the correct answer, as it is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infection is commonly acquired through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat, particularly pork, lamb, and venison, as these meats can harbor the infectious cysts.

Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are particularly vulnerable to Toxoplasmosis. In these patients, the infection can lead to severe complications, including encephalitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the brain. It's noteworthy that in healthy individuals, Toxoplasmosis may often be asymptomatic or present as mild flu-like symptoms. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the risk of severe manifestations increases significantly.

While other infections listed may be associated with various risk factors or transmission routes, they do not have the same specific link to undercooked meat consumption and the high risk for individuals with HIV as Toxoplasmosis does. Giardiasis, for instance, is primarily transmitted via contaminated water rather than meat, while Cryptosporidiosis is associated more with waterborne outbreaks. Schistosomiasis is a different type of parasitic infection caused by trematodes and is

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