Toxoplasma pneumonia: Cytologic diagnosis by bronchoalveolar lavage

Two cases of toxoplasma pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts are reported. The diagnoses were made by the identification of trophozoites in bronchoaheolar lavage material. The organisms were more readily identified in the air‐dried Diff‐Quik‐stained smears. Cytologic findings and correlation with postmortem examination material in one case are described. A high index of suspicion for this pathogen, as well as screening cytologic preparations at medium to high magnification may increase the diagnostic rate for this uncommon but treatable disease. Diagn Cytopathol 1994; 11:52–55. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.