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Phan L, Kasza K, Jalbrzikowski J, Noble AG, Latkany P, Kuo A, Mieler W, Meyers S, Rabiah P, Boyer K, Swisher C, Mets M, Roizen N, Cezar S, Remington J, Meier P, McLeod R. Longitudinal study of new eye lesions in treated congenital toxoplasmosis. Ophthalmology 2007; 115:553-559.e8. [PMID: 17825418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2007.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Revised: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of new chorioretinal lesions in patients with congenital toxoplasmosis who were treated throughout their first year of life. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal observation of a cohort. PARTICIPANTS One hundred thirty-two children were studied as part of the longitudinal observation. METHODS One hundred thirty-two children were treated during their first year of life with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin. They had eye examinations at prespecified intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES New chorioretinal lesions on fundus examination and fundus photographs. RESULTS The mean age (+/- standard deviation) is 10.8+/-5.1 years (range, 0.2-23). One hundred eight children have been evaluated for new chorioretinal lesions. Thirty-four (31%; 95% confidence interval, 23%-41%) of 108 children developed at least one chorioretinal lesion that was previously undetected. These occurred at varying times during their follow-up course. Fifteen children (14%) developed new central lesions, and 27 (25%) had newly detected lesions peripherally. Ten (9%) had more than one occurrence of new lesions developing, and 13 (12%) had new lesions in both eyes. Of those who developed new lesions, 14 children (41%) did so at age 10 or later. CONCLUSION New central chorioretinal lesions are uncommon in children with congenital toxoplasmosis who are treated during their first year of life. This finding contrasts markedly with earlier reports in the literature for untreated children or those treated for only 1 month near birth, in whom new lesions were much more prevalent (>/=82%). Our observation that 14 (41%) of the 34 children with new chorioretinal lesions had occurrences when they were 10 years or older indicates that long-term follow-up into the second decade of life is important in assessing the efficacy of treating toxoplasmosis during infancy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To report outcomes of off-label use of intravitreal clindamycin in the treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. METHODS In a noncomparative, retrospective, interventional case series, we reviewed the charts of six consecutive patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis who were treated with intravitreal injection of clindamycin (1.0 mg/0.1 mL) because of intolerance to or disease progression despite oral microbial treatment. The primary outcome measures were change in Snellen visual acuity, resolution of inflammation, and adverse events. RESULTS Injection of intravitreal clindamycin was associated with control of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and resolution of vitreous inflammation in all six patients. Five patients had improvement in visual acuity. One patient's vision was limited because of macular scarring. Four patients underwent concomitant pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) at the time of injection. One patient who had concomitant clindamycin injection and PPV developed a retinal detachment postoperatively. CONCLUSION Intravitreal clindamycin injection, alone or in conjunction with PPV, was associated with resolution of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in six patients.
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Khairallah M, Yahia SB, Zaouali S, Jenzeri S, Attia S, Messaoud R. ACUTE CHOROIDAL ISCHEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH TOXOPLASMIC RETINOCHOROIDITIS. Retina 2007; 27:947-51. [PMID: 17891022 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0b013e3180653d0d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe eight patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (RC) who had features suggestive of acute choroidal ischemia. METHODS A retrospective review of the clinical records of 23 consecutive patients with acute toxoplasmic RC was performed. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination at presentation and throughout follow-up, including dilated biomicroscopic fundus examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. RESULTS Of 23 patients, 8 (34.8%) had a large area of retinal whitening surrounding a small focus of RC. Fluorescein as well as ICG angiography showed a well demarcated geographic area of early choroidal hypofluorescence that extended beyond the clinical borders of the white retinal lesion, particularly by ICG angiography. Associated findings for these 8 patients included old retinochoroidal scars (7 [87.5%]), serous retinal detachment (3 [37.5%]), retinal hemorrhages (1 [12.5%]), and multiple satellite dark dots by ICG angiography (6 [75%]). Seven of eight patients were treated using a combination of antitoxoplasmic drugs and corticosteroids. All findings seen at the acute stage resolved in 2 weeks to 6 weeks. A small atrophic retinochoroidal scar replaced the active toxoplasmic lesion and was surrounded with mild or moderate retinal pigment epithelium changes that were associated with decreased final visual acuity in 2 patients (25%). CONCLUSION Patients with toxoplasmic RC may develop features suggestive of choroidal ischemia that can result in a transient or permanent decrease in vision. Choroidal ischemia can only be suspected clinically, and fluorescein angiography and ICG angiography are required to establish the definitive diagnosis.
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Siqueira RC, Jorge R, Figueiredo LTDM. Bilateral acute acquired toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis after steroid therapy for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: case report. Arq Bras Oftalmol 2007; 70:513-6. [PMID: 17768562 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27492007000300022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Description of a case of acute acquired ocular toxoplasmosis following hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. A 41-year-old man presenting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, confirmed in the laboratory by detection of IgM antibodies to the virus, was submitted to high doses of intravenous corticosteroids for two months. After clinical improvement of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome the patient presented visual loss in both eyes that was secondary to a toxoplasmosis retinitis. The retinitis resolved with anti-toxoplasma therapy. Acquired toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis can occur following steroid therapy for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
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Gonçalves RM, Rodrigues DH, Camargos da Costa AM, Teixeira MM, Ribeiro Campos W, Oréfice F, Teixeira AL. Increased serum levels of CXCL8 chemokine in acute toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 85:871-6. [PMID: 17488320 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2007.00943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemokines have been implicated in the control of leucocyte infiltration in uveitis and in modulating angiogenesis in several ocular conditions. Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is a common cause of posterior uveitis. This study aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of CC and CXC chemokines in patients with acute toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. METHODS The levels of five chemokines (CCL2, CCL11, CXCL9, CXCL8 and CXCL10) were evaluated in the serum of patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (n = 55) and control subjects (n = 40). In a subset of patients (n = 18), a second measure of serum levels of chemokines was performed after the completion of oral treatment with pyrimethamine (25 mg/day), sulphadiazine (1 g, four times per day), folinic acid (7.5 mg/day) and prednisone (initial dose: 1 mg/kg/day) for approximately 30 days. RESULTS Patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, notably those presenting with vasculitis, had increased serum levels of CXCL8 (mean +/- standard error of the mean [SEM] 35.1 +/- 6.5 pg/ml) compared with control subjects (mean +/- SEM 16.0 +/- 2.3 pg/ml; p = 0.01). There were no differences between patients and controls in serum levels of the other chemokines measured. The size of ocular lesions correlated significantly with serum levels of CXCL8 and CXCL9. After treatment, there was a significant reduction in serum levels of CXCL8. Severity of vitreous opacities did not correlate with serum levels of these chemokines. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a role for CXCL8 in the inflammatory process of acute toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Furthermore, CXCL8 may be a useful marker for patient follow-up.
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Benzina Z, Chaabouni S, Hentati N, Trigui A, Chaabouni F, Ben Salah S, Khlif H, Feki J. [Recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis after clindamycin treatment]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2007; 28:958-64. [PMID: 16395222 DOI: 10.1016/s0181-5512(05)81121-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subconjunctival injections of clindamycin associated with oral corticotherapy in the treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC) and its effect on recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study investigated 21 patients (10 males and 11 females) who presented to an ophthalmological department from 1995 to 2000, aged 14-55 years (mean, 28 years), with unilateral TRC. They were treated with subconjunctival injections of clindamycin and systemic corticotherapy at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day. Clinical follow-up consisted of assessment of visual acuity and biomicroscopic fundus examination, completed by retinal angiography if necessary. RESULTS We observed clinical improvement in 68.75% of patients within 4 days and in all patients healing of the chorioretinal area within 1.6 months. During the follow-up period ranging from 6 to 52 months (mean, 22 months), there have been two recurrences (9%) over the first 18 months. Tolerance of the injections was good. Serious side effects were noted in two patients: one case of conjunctival necrosis and one case of corneal and conjunctival erosion. CONCLUSION In treating ocular toxoplasmosis, clindamycin appears to be a safe and effective substitute for the classic protocol (pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine-azithromycin), for which a 50% recurrence rate has been reported. It provides relatively good protection against recurrence and warrants testing in further controlled studies.
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Tugal-Tutkun I, Corum I, Otük B, Urgancioglu M. Active ocular toxoplasmosis in Turkish patients: a report on 109 cases. Int Ophthalmol 2007; 26:221-8. [PMID: 17318320 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-007-9047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 01/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the clinical characteristics of active ocular toxoplasmosis in a large population of Turkish patients. METHODS A retrospective study of 109 consecutive patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis seen at the Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, from 1995 to 2005. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients were female and 52 were male. The mean age at presentation was 25.7 +/- 6.8 years. All patients had positive serum anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies, but negative IgM antibodies. Preexisting retinochoroidal scars were found in 90 (83%) patients. Central active lesions were significantly more common in eyes without previous involvement than in eyes with preexisting scars (97% vs. 59%). Active lesions were adjacent to a scar in 60 (78.9%) of 76 eyes with preexisting scars. The most common accompanying signs were vitritis (100%), anterior uveitis (49.5%), and periphlebitis (33%). All patients received antiparasitic treatment. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 86% of the patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the cumulative risk of recurrence as 74% at 42 months of follow-up. In 29 (80.5%) of 36 recurrent attacks, active lesions were associated with the scars of the most recent attack. After the resolution of the presenting attack, visual acuity was better than 0.5 in 90%, between 0.1 and 0.5 in 5%, and less than 0.1 in 5% of eyes. Further decrease in visual acuity occurred in only two eyes during our follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis have asymptomatic retinochoroidal scars. Proximity of active lesions to the scars, and especially to those of the most recent episode, may have implications for treatment. Although the recurrence risk is high, the visual prognosis is good in most patients with typical ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Nóbrega MJ, Rosa EL. Toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis after photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone for a supposed choroidal neovascularization: a case report. Arq Bras Oftalmol 2007; 70:157-60. [PMID: 17505739 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27492007000100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2005] [Accepted: 05/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose is to report a complication after photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal triamcinolone for a presumed choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone were used in an 84-year-old man with choroidal neovascularization in the left eye. Forty-five days after therapy, the patient returned with a severe necrotizing uveitis in the posterior pole and vitritis. Laboratory investigation disclosed a high anti-Toxoplasma IgG titer. Therapy with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid resulted in total lesion healing although central vision was lost. Intravitreal triamcinolone may have had an influence on the exacerbation of retinochoroiditis in the posterior pole of the patient. Although rare, this complication may not be disregarded in the cases that require intraocular corticosteroids for treatment of several conditions, especially in patients who had previously suffered from toxoplasmosis infection.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to update the latest information on a long-recognized infectious disease, ocular toxoplasmosis. RECENT FINDINGS Topics include how the disease is acquired, how to make a clinical diagnosis, and what laboratory tests to order when the diagnosis is not clear. New insights into the genetic make-up of the parasite and new treatment alternatives are discussed. SUMMARY Recent findings are updated on the epidemiologic status of the disease, methods for correct diagnosis of unusual presentations, and alternative therapies.
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Oréfice JL, Costa RA, Campos W, Calucci D, Scott IU, Oréfice F. Third-generation optical coherence tomography findings in punctate retinal toxoplasmosis. Am J Ophthalmol 2006; 142:503-5. [PMID: 16935604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 03/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with punctate retinal toxoplasmosis (PRT). DESIGN Observational case series. METHODS SETTING Tertiary ophthalmic referral center. STUDY POPULATION Four patients with PRT consecutively evaluated between July 2004 and June 2005. OBSERVATION PROCEDURES Clinical examination and OCT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Morphologic features at baseline and changes within a 24-week follow-up interval. RESULTS Retinal layers were abnormally hyperreflective at the active lesion site and associated with some degree of retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris/choroidal optical shadowing in all patients. The posterior hyaloid was thickened and focally detached (over the lesion). Additional findings include tractional maculopathy (n = 2) and diffuse macular edema (n = 1). During follow-up, focal choriocapillaris/choroidal relative hyperreflectivity was observed at the former lesion site, and posterior vitreous detachment progressed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that OCT may enable identification of subtle morphologic features previously underappreciated in patients with PRT, which may provide new insights about the disease pathophysiologic mechanisms.
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Baatz H, Mirshahi A, Puchta J, Gümbel H, Hattenbach LO. Reactivation of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis under atovaquone therapy in an immunocompetent patient. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2006; 14:185-7. [PMID: 16766403 DOI: 10.1080/09273940600659740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis reactivation in an immunocompetent patient under atovaquone therapy. METHODS Case report. RESULTS A healthy woman with a history of bilateral toxoplasma retinochoroiditis since childhood presented with a reactivation of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Because earlier treatment regimens had either produced intolerable side effects and/or were deemed ineffective for the prevention of reactivation, the patient was started on atovaquone suspension (750 mg three times a day). After initial regression of the lesion and still under atovaquone therapy, the patient presented again five weeks later with worsened best-corrected visual acuity. Examination showed that the lesion had expanded again and more cells were present in the vitreous. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of a reactivation of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in an immunocompetent patient under atovaquone therapy, possibly indicating tachyzoite resistance to atovaquone.
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Guagnini AP, De Potter P, Levecq L, Kozyreff A. Atypical spherical deposition on vitreoretinal interface associated with toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2006; 245:158-60. [PMID: 16612633 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-006-0330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2006] [Revised: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical and optical coherence tomography features of spherical deposits associated with recurrent toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. METHODS Case report. RESULTS Atypical, 100 microm to 150 microm, greyish deposits appeared along retinal arteries and veins as well as on the vitreoretinal interface in the macula of a 44-year-old Caucasian woman while she was being treated for recurrent toxoplasmic chorioretinitis with antiparasitic drugs and subconjunctival injection of betamethasone. They disappeared progressively with the systemic use of corticosteroids. Their clinical course was nicely documented by optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSIONS Greyish spherical deposits on the vitreoretinal interface have been previously described as inflammatory reactions in asymptomatic human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) carriers and in patients with HTLV-1-associated uveitis. For the first time, optical coherence tomography (OCT) provided clinical correlation of this unusual presentation of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis.
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Lee MW, Fong KS, Hsu LY, Lim WK. Optic nerve toxoplasmosis and orbital inflammation as initial presentation of AIDS. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2006; 244:1542-4. [PMID: 16544111 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-006-0295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 01/16/2006] [Accepted: 01/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of toxoplasmosis with optic nerve and orbital involvement as the initial presentation of HIV infection. METHOD Case report. RESULTS A 46-year-old zookeeper, who had had right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) 2 weeks previously, presented with painless lid and conjunctival swelling and profound visual loss in his right eye (RE). Examination revealed no light perception (NLP) RE with axial proptosis and ocular motility restriction; fundal examination revealed a clinical picture of an ischaemic CRVO. MRI of the brain and orbit showed ring-enhancing targetoid lesions in the brain and inflammatory changes in the right optic nerve, extraocular muscles and orbital fat. He was subsequently found to be HIV positive and had positive toxoplasma IgG serology. CONCLUSIONS Immunocompromised individuals have an increased likelihood for more severe and atypical presentations; this highlights the need for increased index of suspicion for HIV infection as ocular or orbital disease may be the first manifestation of life-threatening systemic toxoplasmosis.
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McLeod R, Khan AR, Noble GA, Latkany P, Jalbrzikowski J, Boyer K. Severe sulfadiazine hypersensitivity in a child with reactivated congenital toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:270-2. [PMID: 16511396 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000202070.59190.9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old with congenital toxoplasmosis who took pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine for reactivated chorioretinitis developed fever, severe cutaneous involvement, swelling, abdominal pain and transaminitis, persisting weeks after withholding medicines. Symptoms resolved when systemic corticosteroids were administered. This case underscores problems in clinical management with sulfadiazine hypersensitivity, potential immunosuppression from corticosteroids and selection of medications for recurrences of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis.
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Fujiwara T, Machida S, Hasegawa Y, Tazawa Y. PUNCTATE OUTER RETINAL TOXOPLASMOSIS WITH MULTIPLE CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATIONS. Retina 2006; 26:360-2. [PMID: 16508442 DOI: 10.1097/00006982-200603000-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the course of ocular toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. METHODS This study was a retrospective, non-comparative case series of four pregnant women who were treated for ocular toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. RESULTS All of the participants had severe and treatment-resistant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, leaving three of them with decreased visual acuity in spite of aggressive therapy. Delivery of the infant appeared to help the recovery in two patients. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant state may provoke the recurrence of ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Norose K, Aosai F, Mun HS, Yano A. Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on Murine Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Interferon-γ Knockout Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 47:265-71. [PMID: 16384972 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.05-0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on experimental ocular toxoplasmosis by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) assay. METHODS Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and WT BALB/c mice and interferon-gamma knockout (GKO) mice were infected orally with Toxoplasma gondii of the Fukaya strain. Mice were classified into groups. The first group (G1) remained untreated, the second group (G2) had a short SMX treatment period, and the third group (G3) received treatment continuously. WT and GKO mice were divided into G1 and G3, and G1, G2, and G3, respectively. T. gondii burdens were evaluated by QC-PCR assay. The effect on stage distribution was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS SMX significantly decreased mortality among the infected WT C57BL/6 and GKO mice. In WT G1 mice, T. gondii DNA was detected in all organs and tissues, although in G3 mice it was detected only in the brain. In GKO C57BL/6 G1 mice, the protozoan proliferated much more actively than in the WT mice. In the GKO C57BL/6 G2 mice, the number of T. gondii was less than in G1 during the treatment, although the protozoan reappeared after cessation of treatment. In GKO C57BL/6 G3 mice, T. gondii DNA was detected in the brain, optic nerve, and retina, but not in the iris, choroid, sclera, and blood. In GKO BALB/c mice, the patterns of the kinetics of protozoan abundance in various organs were similar or were milder than those in GKO C57BL/6 mice. In SMX-treated GKO mice, the percentage of bradyzoites increased and that of tachyzoites decreased in the organs and tissues. CONCLUSIONS SMX decreased the parasitic load in both WT and GKO mice. SMX decreased the tachyzoite load but did not completely eliminate bradyzoites in GKO mice. The present mouse model was used successfully to assess treatment effects in a quantitative fashion.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use
- Chorioretinitis/drug therapy
- Chorioretinitis/genetics
- Chorioretinitis/mortality
- Chorioretinitis/parasitology
- DNA, Protozoan/analysis
- Female
- Interferon-gamma/deficiency
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Parasitemia/drug therapy
- Parasitemia/parasitology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sulfamethoxazole/therapeutic use
- Survival Rate
- Toxoplasma/drug effects
- Toxoplasma/genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/drug therapy
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/mortality
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology
- Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/drug therapy
- Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/mortality
- Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/parasitology
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of posterior uveitis in immunocompetent subjects. The infection can be congenital or acquired. Ocular symptoms are variable according to the age of the subject. For instance, young children present with reduced visual acuity, strabismus, nystagmus, and leucocoria, while teenagers and adults complain of decreased vision, floaters, photophobia, pain, and hyperemia. Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis typically affects the posterior pole, and the lesions can be solitary, multiple or satellite to a pigmented retinal scar. Active lesions present as grey-white focus of retinal necrosis with adjacent choroiditis, vasculitis, hemorrhage and vitreitis. Cicatrization occurs from the periphery towards the center, with variable pigmentary hyperplasia. Anterior uveitis is a common finding, with mutton-fat keratic precipitates, fibrine, cells and flare, iris nodules and posterior synechiae. Atypical presentations include punctate outer retinitis, neuroretinitis, papillitis, pseudo-multiple retinochoroiditis, intraocular inflammation without retinochoroiditis, unilateral pigmentary retinopathy, Fuchs'-like anterior uveitis, scleritis and multifocal or diffuse necrotizing retinitis. The laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is based on detection of antibodies and T. gondii DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Toxoplasmosis therapy includes specific medication and corticosteroids. There are several regimens, with different drug combinations. Medications include pirimetamine, sulfadiazine, clindamycin, trimethoprime-sulphamethoxazol, spiramycin, azithromycin, atovaquone, tetracycline and minocycline. The prognosis of ocular toxoplasmosis is usually good in immunocompetent individuals, as long as the central macula is not directly involved.
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Zajdenweber M, Muccioli C, Belfort R. Acometimento ocular em pacientes com AIDS e toxoplasmose do sistema nervoso central: antes e depois do HAART. Arq Bras Oftalmol 2005; 68:773-5. [PMID: 17344978 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27492005000600012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 10/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the ophthalmologic involvement in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome-AIDS and central nervous system toxoplasmosis comparing the period before and after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS In a retrospective study, we compared 118 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome patients with central nervous system toxoplasmosis who were examined at our institution before highly active antiretroviral therapy (from 1994-1996) with 24 patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and central nervous system toxoplasmosis who were being treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (from 1996-1999). All patients were submitted to a complete ophthalmological examination as well as specific tests to confirm the diagnosis and there was no intersection between the groups. RESULTS In the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy group, it was found that 23% of the patients with central nervous system toxoplasmosis had also ocular toxoplasmosis. Ocular involvement was bilateral in 37.2% of the cases. In the group of patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, who had an average CD4 of 256 cells/mm(3) and average of viral load of 52,620 copies, 16.6% had concomitant ocular and central nervous system toxoplasmosis. Ocular involvement was bilateral in 50% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome patients with central nervous system toxoplasmosis have a frequent association with ocular toxoplasmosis. Although the incidence of opportunistic infections has decreased since the introduction of recent antiretroviral therapeutic strategies ocular toxoplasmosis continues to be frequent in patients with cen.ral nervous system toxoplasmosis.
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Soheilian M, Sadoughi MM, Ghajarnia M, Dehghan MH, Yazdani S, Behboudi H, Anisian A, Peyman GA. Prospective Randomized Trial of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole versus Pyrimethamine and Sulfadiazine in the Treatment of Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Ophthalmology 2005; 112:1876-82. [PMID: 16171866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2005.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2004] [Accepted: 05/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of the classic treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis (pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and prednisolone) with a regimen consisting of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) plus prednisolone. DESIGN Prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-nine patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: 29 were treated with pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine, and 30 patients received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. INTERVENTION Treatment consisted of 6 weeks' treatment with antibiotics plus steroids. Antitoxoplasmosis antibodies (immunoglobulin M [IgM] and IgG) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in retinochoroidal lesion size after 6 weeks' treatment, visual acuity (VA) before and after intervention, adverse drug reactions during follow-up, and rate of recurrence. RESULTS Active toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis resolved in all patients over 6 weeks' treatment, with no significant difference in mean reduction of retinochoroidal lesion size between the 2 treatment groups (61% reduction in the classic treatment group and 59% in the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole group, P = 0.75). Similarly, no significant difference was found in VA after treatment between the 2 groups (mean VAs after treatment were 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] [20/25] in the classic treatment group and 0.09 logMAR [20/25] in the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole group, P = 0.56). Adverse effects were similar in both groups, with one patient in each suffering from any significant drug side effects. The overall recurrence rate after 24 months' follow-up was 10.16%, with no significant difference between the treatment groups (P = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Drug efficacies in terms of reduction in retinal lesion size and improvement in VA were similar in a regimen of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and the classic treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. Therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole seems to be an acceptable alternative for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Holland GN. Prospective, Randomized Trial of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole vs. Pyrimethamine and Sulfadiazine in the Treatment of Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Discussion. Ophthalmology 2005; 112:1882-4. [PMID: 16271316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2005.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Barbara A, Shehadeh-Masha'our R, Sartani G, Garzozi HJ. Reactivation of Ocular Toxoplasmosis After LASIK. J Refract Surg 2005; 21:759-61. [PMID: 16329371 DOI: 10.3928/1081-597x-20051101-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a reactivation of ocular toxoplasmosis after LASIK. METHODS Case report of a 34-year-old man who underwent bilateral LASIK. The posterior segment examination revealed an old toxoplasmosis scar in the retinal periphery of the right eye. RESULTS Uncorrected visual acuity improved postoperatively, and the patient was satisfied. However, 52 days after the procedure, he complained of loss of visual acuity in his right eye. Examination revealed signs of anterior uveitis, vitreitis, and active chorioretinal lesion satellite of the old toxoplasmosis scar. The patient was treated with a multidrug regiment with resolution of the vitreous and lesion activity. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis reactivation may develop after LASIK.
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Aggio FB, Muccioli C, Belfort R. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as an adjunct in the treatment of severe ocular toxoplasmosis. Eye (Lond) 2005; 20:1080-2. [PMID: 16200054 DOI: 10.1038/sj.eye.6702113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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