PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “TOXOPLASMOSIS, OCULAR”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Congenital toxoplasmosis presenting as isolated acute chorioretinitis in the neonate.

We describe a neonate with congenital ocular toxoplasmosis that presented as isolated, acute bilateral retinochoroiditis. Although toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is not rare, it is quite unusual to diagnose congenital toxoplasmosis based on isolated bilateral retinochoroiditis in an otherwise healthy neonate. Bilateral retinochoroiditis can be caused by syphilis, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis. Because specific treatments now exist for these conditions, it is important to establish proper diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated promptly. The differential diagnosis, work-up, and management of retinochoroiditis in the newborn is presented and discussed.

Chorioretinitis↗
PubMed1984

Diagnosis of ocular and glandular toxoplasmosis using the Indian ink immunoreaction.

The Indian ink immunoreaction (IIR) as a method for diagnosis of Toxoplasma infection has been evaluated. 68 sera from patients with suspected ocular and glandular toxoplasmosis and 30 control sera from normal individuals were tested using both indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and IIR. The test proved to be specific, simple and rapid especially for screening purposes.

Carbon↗
PubMed1982

T and B lymphocytes in the aqueous humor of patients with uveitis.

Sixteen patients with different types of uveitis (ocular toxoplasmosis, chronic cyclitis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, Behçet's syndrome, ocular herpes, and a probable nematode) had the aqueous humor withdrawn and had the number of T, B, and null lymphocytes assessed. T and B lymphocytes were identified by rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes and with human erythrocytes sensitized with IgM antibody and complement or zymosan-C3 complexes, respectively. A much higher number of T lymphocytes than B lymphocytes was observed in all cases. The results were not influenced by treatment with steroids or immunosuppressive drugs for local, periocular, or systemic effects.

Aqueous Humor↗
PubMed2005

Toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis and elevated intraocular pressure: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To report the prevalence of abnormal intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis and to determine risk factors for such abnormality. METHODS: In a retrospective clinic-based chart review, the IOP levels of 61 patients with active retinochoroiditis were recorded. Patients were separated into groups with elevated IOP, equal IOP, and lower IOP. The time taken for normalization of IOP was also recorded. Additionally, age, gender, visual acuity, anterior chamber and vitreous inflammatory activity, presence of macular lesions, keratoprecipitates, synechiae, toxoplasmosis antibody titers, and required medical and surgical treatments were noted. The IOP in 61 patients with active retinochoroiditis were also compared with the IOP in 59 age- and gender-matched control patients with unilateral anterior uveitis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of patients (23/61) with active retinochoroiditis had elevated IOP > 21 mm Hg, demonstrated IOP difference > 4 mm Hg between involved and uninvolved eyes, or received on IOP-lowering medications. In the equal IOP category, 55.7% (34/61) of patients had an IOP < or = 21 mm Hg in the actively inflamed eye and had an IOP difference of < or = 3 mm Hg between the active and inactive eyes. Only 6.6% (4/61) of patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis had a decreased IOP in the affected eye. The mean IOP in patients with active retinochoroiditis was 21.2 mm Hg (SD 11.5) and 15.6 mm Hg (SD 2.9) in involved and uninvolved eyes, respectively. A statistically significant average IOP difference of 5.8 mm Hg (SD 11.6) was found between the involved and uninvolved eyes (P < 0.001 by two-tailed student T test). Of the patients with abnormal IOP, 20 patients had IOP > 21 mm Hg, 10 of whom had IOP > 30 mm Hg, 6 of whom had IOP > 40 mm Hg, and 2 of whom had IOP > 50 mm Hg. In the elevated IOP group, the average time from onset of symptoms until presentation for their IOP measurement was 13 days (median: 7 days; range: 1 to 100) with resolution of abnormal IOP occurring in 32 days (median: 28 days; range: 1 to 84 days). The average time of onset of symptoms in the normal to low IOP category was 70 days (median: 17.5 days; range: 2 to 330 days). Elevated IOP was more common in active retinochoroiditis, 23/61 (38%), when compared with anterior uveitis control group, 6/59 (10%) (odds ratio of 5.3; P < 0.001). No statistically significant predictor of elevated IOP was identified, though a trend associating anterior chamber cells with elevated IOP (P = 0.08, r = 0.25 Spearman rank correlation coefficient) was seen. CONCLUSION: Abnormal IOP is a feature in almost half of patients with active toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis. Elevated IOP occurs in 38% and low IOP occurs in 6.6% of affected eyes. Patients with elevated IOP due to active toxoplasmosis present for earlier evaluation than patients with normal or low IOP. The IOP elevation is generally transient and concurs with the uveitic episode. Medical management of IOP is usually sufficient to treat this generally transient eye pressure rise though chronic administration of eye pressure lowering drops or glaucoma surgery may be necessary in a small proportion of patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Aetiological study of the presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome in the Netherlands.

AIM: To investigate whether presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome in the Netherlands is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum and whether other risk factors might play a role in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. METHODS: 23 patients were clinically diagnosed as having presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome based on the following criteria: peripapillary atrophy, punched out lesions, a macular disciform lesion or scar in one eye without vitritis. As controls, 66 sex and age matched healthy volunteers were used. Serum samples from both patients and controls were tested for the presence of antibodies against H capsulatum, Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara canis et cati, Ascaris sp, and for the presence of antigens of Cryptococcus neoformans. Serum samples were also tested for the presence of autoantibodies against retinal or choroidal proteins. To investigate other risk factors, patients and controls were asked to fill in a health and travel related questionnaire. Ten patients with ocular toxoplasmosis were used as a disease control group. RESULTS: None of the patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome or controls had circulating antibodies directed against H capsulatum. No risk factors could be identified and no indications for autoimmunity and no evidence for the role of the other infectious agents could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: In a Dutch group of patients fulfilling the criteria of a disease currently named presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, no risk factors or relation with the fungus H capsulatum could be detected.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Ocular and central nervous system paracoccidioidomycosis in a pregnant woman with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe an atypical case of central nervous system and ocular paracoccidioidomycoses simulating ocular toxoplasmosis in a pregnant woman with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 25-year-old pregnant woman with AIDS, presented with a severe ocular inflammation in the right eye involving the choroid, retina, and the optic disk, which rapidly progressed to retinal detachment, iris neovascularization, and neovascular glaucoma. The left eye was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a focal hypodense contrast-enhanced ring lesion in the brain. Serum antibody titers were negative for Toxoplasma gondii, but the polymerase chain reaction was positive for the parasite in the vitreous sample. The patient responded partially to specific treatment for toxoplasmosis, and there was a small reduction in size of the brain lesion. She progressed to a blind painful eye, which was enucleated. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was found in the histopathological studies of the eye and oropharynx. With the diagnosis of disseminated ocular paracoccidioidomycoses, the patient was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with a satisfactory outcome and reduction in size of the brain lesion. CONCLUSION: Although ocular infection with ocular paracoccidioidomycoses is rare, this diagnosis should be considered when investigating ocular inflammation in a patient with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

[Ocular manifestation of toxoplasmosis in children].

The paper presents contemporary opinions on toxoplasmosis infection in the children, commonest form of posterior uveitis. Different clinical forms of ocular affection, current by available diagnostic methods, possible therapeutic approaches, their indications and contraindications, are analyzed. Risk of transplacentar infection and therapy of affected women are emphasized with the purpose of congenital toxoplasmosis prevention. (Fig. 2, Ref. 6.)

Child↗
PubMed1999

HIV/AIDS and ocular manifestations.

As of December, 1998, worldwide, 33.4 million people have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A wide variety of ocular disorders is associated with HIV. HIV can affect all structures of the eye. A large number of micro-organisms including virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, cause ocular diseases in HIV-infected patients. Out of these, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common. Ocular tuberculosis (TB), syphilitic retinal diseases and ocular toxoplasmosis are other serious eye problems in HIV patients, especially in the developing countries. HIV can also cause microvascular abnormalities producing cotton-wool spots. Neoplasms and drug-induced ocular disorders may be other problems. Ophthalmologists need to have wide range of information regarding HIV/AIDS for better diagnosis and management of their patients with ocular abnormalities. Further research, data collection, continuing education and the latest information on eye problems of AIDS patients are essential for Indian ophthalmologists.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1989

[Homonymous lateral quadranopsia disclosing cerebral toxoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS].

A case of Homonymous lateral quadranopsia revealing cerebral toxoplasmosis is reported in AIDS patient. Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations must be explored by neuro-radiologic examination. Nuclear magnetic resonance would rather be performed than CT scan. Frequencies of cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis localisations are compared. Severity of toxoplasmosis localisation justifies an early diagnosis based on immunological assay detecting the infection. Prophylactic treatment has to be instored.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Toxoplasma antibody and stool parasites in public school children, Rolândia, Paraná, Brazil.

The occurrence of toxoplasmosis and enteroparasitosis was studied in 434 children from elementary schools in the rural and urban areas of Rolândia, Paraná State, Brazil. Sera and fecal samples from all the students were submitted to IFA for Toxoplasma gondii and coproparasitological tests, respectively. The children were tested by Amsler grid and 72 of them were examined for the presence of lesions compatible with ocular toxoplasmosis. Some variables were tested but none showed increased risk for toxoplasmosis. The distribution according to sex and age and also same other variables are presented and discussed. Correlations between Amsler's grid test, toxoplama RIFI, occurrence of eyes lesions and enteroparasitosis are also considered.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Parasitic infections in Malaysia: changing and challenges.

A total of 1,885 blood and stool samples of four main protozoan parasitic infections were retrospectively reviewed from January, 2000 to April, 2004. Eleven of the 1,350 stool samples were shown positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections; one of the 5 cases was clinically diagnosed as gastrointestinal cryptosporidiosis, while 6 cases were giardiasis. In patients with giardiasis, children were among the high-risk groups, making up 66.7% of these patients. The common presenting signs and symptoms were: diarrhea (83.3%), loss of appetite (83.3%), lethargy (83.3%), fever (66.7%), nausea/vomiting (50.0%), abdominal pain (16.7%), dehydration (16.7%) and rigor and chills (16.7%). Metronidazole was the drug of choice and was given to all symptomatic patients (83.3%). For the blood samples, 28 of the 92 peripheral smears for Plasmodium spp infection were diagnosed as malaria. The age range was from 4 to 57, with a median of 32.5 years. The sex ratio (M:F) was 3.6:1, while the age group of 30-44 years was the most commonly affected in both sexes. The majority of patients were foreigners (60.7%) and non-professional (39%). Plasmodium vivax (71%) infection was the most common pathogen found in these patients, along with a history of traveling to an endemic area of malaria (31%). The predominant presenting signs and symptoms were: fever (27%), rigor and chills (24%), nausea/vomiting (15%) and headache (8%). Chloroquine and primaquine was the most common anti-malarial regimen used (78.6%) in these patients. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in different groups was 258/443 (58%): seropositive for IgG 143 (32.3%); IgM 67 (15%); and IgG + IgM 48 (10.8%). The age range was from 1 to 85, with a mean of 34 (+/- SD 16.6) years. The predominant age group was 21 to 40 years (126; 28.4%). The sex ratio (M:F) was 1.2:1. Subjects were predominantly male (142; 32%) and the Malay (117; 26.4%). Of these, 32 cases were clinically diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis. The range of age was from 10 to 56 years with a mean of 30.5 (+/- SD 12.05) years. The sex ratio (M:F) was 1:1.7. The majority were in the age group of 21 to 40 years, female (20; 62.5%), and Malay (17; 53%). They were also single (16; 50%), unemployed (12; 37%), and resided outside Kuala Lumpur (21; 65.6%). The more common clinical presentations were blurring of vision (25; 78%), floaters (10; 31%) and pain in the eye (7; 22%). We found that funduscopic examination (100%) and seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (93.7%) were the main reasons for investigation. Choroidoretinitis was the most common clinical diagnosis (69%), while clindamycin was the most frequently used antimicrobial in all cases. Among HIV-infected patients, 10 cases were diagnosed as AIDS-related toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) (9 were active and 1 had relapse TE). In addition, 1 case was confirmed as congenital toxoplasmosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Histologically confirmed clinical toxoplasmosis in cats: 100 cases (1952-1990).

Tissue sections from 119 cats that died or were euthanatized (1952-1990) because of toxoplasmosis-like illness were reexamined for Toxoplasma gondii by direct microscopy and immunohistochemical staining with anti-T gondii serum. Clinical and pathologic data from 100 of these cats with histologically verified toxoplasmosis were then analyzed. Of these 100 cats, 36 were considered to have generalized toxoplasmosis, 26 predominantly pulmonary lesions, 16 abdominal, 2 hepatic, 1 pancreatic, 1 cardiac, 2 cutaneous, 7 neurologic, and 9 had neonatal toxoplasmosis. In 14 cats, concurrent microbial infections or other maladies were seen. Cats were 2 weeks to 16 years old (median, 2 years; mean, 4 years). Sixty-five cats were males and 34 were females; sex was not recorded for 1 cat. Of 67 cats that had rectal temperatures recorded, 49 (73%) had fever (40.0 to 41.7 C). Dyspnea, polypnea, and signs of abdominal discomfort were frequently observed. Toxoplasmosis had been confirmed antemortem in 8 cats; 4 had a serum antibody titer to T gondii of > or = 1:1,024; and T gondii had been found in cytologic evaluation of tracheal aspirates from 2 cats and pleural fluid from 1 cat, as well as in a biopsy specimen of a mesenteric lymph node from another. Of the 15 cats with T gondii serum-antibody titers determined by the Sabin-Feldman dye test, 6 had no antibody detected in 1:4 dilution of their serum. Indirect fluorescent antibody titers were found in 10 of 10 cats' sera tested. Forty-one eyes from 27 of the cats were examined microscopically. Twenty-two of the 27 cats (81.5%) had evidence of intraocular inflammation in one or both eyes. Multifocal iridocyclochoroiditis was the most common lesion and was seen in 18 (81.8%) of the cats with ophthalmitis. The ciliary body was the most often severely affected portion of the uvea. Of the 22 cats with ocular toxoplasmosis, T gondii was found in eyes of 10. Toxoplasma gondii was found in the retina of 5 cats, the choroid of 2, the optic nerve of 1, the iris of 3, and the ciliary body of 4. Toxoplasma gondii was identified in 80% of 55 brains, 70.0% of 90 livers, 76.7% of 86 lungs, 64.4% of 45 pancreata, 62.7% of 59 hearts, 45.8% of 72 spleens, 41.5% of 65 intestines, 17.7% of 61 kidneys, and 60.0% of 30 adrenal glands.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Problems and limitations of conventional and innovative methods for the diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in humans and animals].

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is useful for human and animal health. Several techniques are employed for the diagnosis in feline and canine population. Coprological tests for the detection of oocysts in cat faeces are of little significance owing to short patency (15 days). Histological examinations of biological samples show a lack of reliability when the animals are infected with few parasites; the mouse inoculation is the most reliable method even if the detection of cysts in mice brain require 40 days. However tachyzoites of virulent strains can be isolated from peritoneal exudate 3-4 days after inoculation. Samples inoculation in cell cultures (VERO, human fibroblasts) requires specialized laboratories and fails if non viable parasites are present due to tissutal autolysis. Serological tests are the most used diagnostic methods; Dye test and IFAT that require intact tachyzoites are more sensitive and specific compared to IHA, LA, ELISA because, during the infection, the first significant increase of IgM and IgG antibodies was observed against cuticolar antigens. A PCR to identify T. gondii DNA in canine and feline biological samples was developed. The B1 PCR performed on blood samples was less sensitive than when it was performed on other biological fluids requiring 100 tachyzoites, instead of 10. Aqueous humor PCR results could be negative if the infection is low grade or is restricted to the posterior segment or the animal was previously treated with anti-Toxoplasma drugs. SNC disease may be also difficult to diagnose because an high serum IgG titer may be associated with locally production or leakage from serum through a compromised blood-CSF barrier. AB1 PCR was successfully applied for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma abortion in ewes requiring only 10 parasites in placental cotyledon samples; the test compared with mouse inoculation showed similar sensitivity. Discrepancies may have been due to a low and focal distribution of parasites in the tissues or to the presence of non viable parasites if the tissues are autolysed. In regard to diagnostic methods adaptable to slaughter testing, several serological tests have been studied (IFAT, ELISA, IHA) for detection of IgG in sheep, pigs, cattle using also recombinant antigens (gene fragments H4 and H11) to lack the cross reactivity. The problem is the antibodies fall to near background levels as the infection became chronic (6-10 months p.-i.). A highly sensitive and specific method (Toxo Taq Man) has been developed to detect and quantitate T. gondii burden in animal tissue samples (0.1 pg of T. gondii genomic DNA, which is equivalent to 1 bradyzoite) using T. gondii ITS1-derived primers and a fluorogenic probe via Real-Time PCR. This assay is compatible with automation technology for potential slaughterhouse use. The diagnosis of acute infection in human pregnancy is difficult since IgM antibodies can be detected for a very long time after the acute phase; an IgA increase is of more diagnostic value because can be detected only for 6-7 months while the short kinetics of IgE can be useful only to date the infection precisely. In addition an IgG seroconversion is essential for the diagnosis. Among the most reliable tests, IgG avidity test is useful when a single serum sample, in the first months of gestation, is available, but low avidity results may persist for as long as 1 year. For this purpose a panel of serologic tests must be performed (ELISA, EIA, ISAGA, IgG avidity, IFAT, Dye test) for IgM, IgA, IgG and IgE. The serological diagnosis of prenatal infection is difficult since maternal IgG are passively transferred in utero to the foetus and caution must be exercised in interpretation of IgM or IgA results. A technique of Western blots of paired maternal and baby sera for evidencing different bands in the blots of two sera was developed for this purpose (specificity 97-100%, sensitivity 96-98%). The most reliable methods for prenatal diagnosis are PCR, mouse inoculation and cultural techniques performed on amniotic fluid, foetal blood and peripheral maternal blood in pregnants serologically positive. PCR (targets B1, SAG-1, rDNA) with amniotic fluid performed from 18 weeks of gestation is more sensitive and more rapid than conventional diagnostic procedures. PCR has been successfully used to diagnose Toxoplasma encephalitis in immunocompromised patients (cerebral biopsy is the only diagnostic method) and in ocular toxoplasmosis. In this evenience it is useful the study of IgG, IgM, IgA profile of paired serum and aqueous humor (Western blots).

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2000

Visual outcome after surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual outcome after surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series of 17 eyes undergoing surgical removal of CNV of various causes in patients aged 18 years and younger. RESULTS: The cause of the CNV was presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome in 11 eyes, idiopathic in 3, and optic nerve coloboma, ocular toxoplasmosis, and trauma in 1 eye each. Two eyes had CNV within 100 microm of the center of the foveal avascular zone (juxtafoveal CNV) and 1 eye had peripapillary CNV, while 14 eyes had CNV beneath the geometric center of the foveal avascular zone (subfoveal CNV). In eyes with subfoveal CNV, median preoperative Snellen visual acuity was 20/200 (range, 20/80-3/200). With a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 6-45 months), median final visual acuity was 20/50 (range, 20/20-2/200); 10 (72%) had improvement of 2 or more Snellen lines after surgery, and 6 eyes (43%) had final visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In 3 eyes with juxtafoveal CNV or peripapillary CNV, all eyes had improvement of 4 or more Snellen lines. Postoperative recurrent CNV developed in 6 (35%) of 17 patients; 2 of the eyes underwent a second vitrectomy and 4 received laser treatment for the recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients may have good recovery of vision after surgical removal of CNV, and the removal of these membranes may be a viable alternative to laser photocoagulation in pediatric patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

In vivo confocal microscopy of keratic precipitates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the heterogeneity of keratic precipitates (KP) in varying subtypes of uveitis by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: The KP were viewed with a scanning confocal microscope in patients (n = 33) who sought care at a tertiary referral uveitis service for immune-mediated and infectious forms of uveitis, including HLA-B27-associated uveitis, sarcoidosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, juvenile chronic arthritis, Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis, cytomegalovirus retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, ocular toxoplasmosis, and idiopathic uveitis. Images were captured and digitalized in real time. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 33 patients were examined in this study. Patient age ranged from 22 to 84 years, with a mean age of 49.4 years. Seventeen (52%) of the patients were women, and 16 patients (48%) were men. The KP ranged in diameter from 10 to 350 mum. We observed the following absolute and speculative outcomes: KP are markedly heterogeneous and variable as documented by IVCM; KP in individual patients are consistent throughout the cornea; the morphologic features of KP change across time; infectious vs noninfectious causes of uveitis seem to be readily distinguishable by using IVCM; and KP may have consistency for specific disease states and therefore may have diagnostic importance. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first time that IVCM has been used to describe the architecture and heterogeneity of KP in uveitis. Such observations reveal a heterogeneity that could not be appreciated by conventional slitlamp microscopy and may have diagnostic relevance.

Adult↗