Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:57, 9 February 2025

An eye disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii''

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is an inflammation of the choroid and retina of the eye caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is the most common cause of posterior uveitis in many parts of the world.

Signs and symptoms

The condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, including blurred vision, floaters, eye pain, and redness. In severe cases, it can lead to vision loss. The inflammation can cause a distinctive "headlight in the fog" appearance on examination, where a bright white lesion is surrounded by a hazy area of inflammation.

Causes

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be acquired congenitally or postnatally. Congenital infection occurs when a mother is infected during pregnancy and transmits the parasite to the fetus. Postnatal infection can occur through ingestion of undercooked meat containing tissue cysts or exposure to oocysts from cat feces.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical examination and history. Serological tests can support the diagnosis by detecting antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Imaging studies, such as optical coherence tomography, can help assess the extent of retinal damage.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medications. Commonly used drugs include pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and corticosteroids. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's immune status.

Prognosis

The prognosis for toxoplasmic chorioretinitis varies. While many patients respond well to treatment, some may experience recurrent episodes of inflammation, leading to progressive vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.

Epidemiology

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is a global health issue, with higher prevalence in regions where Toxoplasma gondii infection is common. The risk of developing the condition is higher in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Prevention

Preventive measures include proper food handling, cooking meat thoroughly, and practicing good hygiene, especially when handling cat litter. Pregnant women are advised to avoid exposure to cat feces and to consume only well-cooked meat.

Related pages

References

Jones, J. L., & Holland, G. N. (2010). Annual burden of ocular toxoplasmosis in the United States. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 82(3), 464-469.
Montoya, J. G., & Liesenfeld, O. (2004). Toxoplasmosis. The Lancet, 363(9425), 1965-1976.

Images

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-'''Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis''' is an [[eye disease]] caused by the [[parasite]] [[Toxoplasma gondii]]. It is a form of [[retinitis]] which can lead to severe [[vision loss]] if not treated promptly.
+{{Short description|An eye disease caused by the parasite ''Toxoplasma gondii''}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+'''Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis''' is an inflammation of the choroid and retina of the eye caused by the protozoan parasite ''[[Toxoplasma gondii]]''. It is the most common cause of posterior uveitis in many parts of the world.
-Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be contracted through contact with [[cat feces]], eating undercooked meat, or from a mother to her unborn child during [[pregnancy]].
-== Symptoms ==
+==Signs and symptoms==
-The symptoms of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis can vary, but often include [[blurred vision]], [[eye pain]], [[redness of the eye]], and [[sensitivity to light]]. In severe cases, it can lead to [[vision loss]].
+The condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, including blurred vision, floaters, eye pain, and redness. In severe cases, it can lead to vision loss. The inflammation can cause a distinctive "headlight in the fog" appearance on examination, where a bright white lesion is surrounded by a hazy area of inflammation.
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Causes==
-Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is diagnosed through a combination of [[medical history]], [[physical examination]], and [[laboratory tests]]. The doctor may also use a special instrument called an [[ophthalmoscope]] to examine the back of the eye.
+Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is caused by infection with ''Toxoplasma gondii''. This parasite can be acquired congenitally or postnatally. Congenital infection occurs when a mother is infected during pregnancy and transmits the parasite to the fetus. Postnatal infection can occur through ingestion of undercooked meat containing tissue cysts or exposure to oocysts from cat feces.
-== Treatment ==
+==Diagnosis==
-Treatment for toxoplasmic chorioretinitis usually involves [[antibiotics]] to kill the parasite, and [[steroids]] to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, [[surgery]] may be required.
+Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical examination and history. Serological tests can support the diagnosis by detecting antibodies to ''Toxoplasma gondii''. Imaging studies, such as optical coherence tomography, can help assess the extent of retinal damage.
-== Prevention ==
+==Treatment==
-Prevention of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis involves avoiding contact with cat feces, cooking meat thoroughly, and pregnant women avoiding contact with cats.
+Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medications. Commonly used drugs include pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and corticosteroids. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's immune status.
-== See also ==
+==Prognosis==
+The prognosis for toxoplasmic chorioretinitis varies. While many patients respond well to treatment, some may experience recurrent episodes of inflammation, leading to progressive vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.
+==Epidemiology==
+Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is a global health issue, with higher prevalence in regions where ''Toxoplasma gondii'' infection is common. The risk of developing the condition is higher in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
+==Prevention==
+Preventive measures include proper food handling, cooking meat thoroughly, and practicing good hygiene, especially when handling cat litter. Pregnant women are advised to avoid exposure to cat feces and to consume only well-cooked meat.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Toxoplasmosis]]
-* [[Chorioretinitis]]
+* [[Uveitis]]
 * [[Retinitis]]
-* [[Ophthalmology]]
+==References==
+* Jones, J. L., & Holland, G. N. (2010). Annual burden of ocular toxoplasmosis in the United States. ''American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene'', 82(3), 464-469.
+* Montoya, J. G., & Liesenfeld, O. (2004). Toxoplasmosis. ''The Lancet'', 363(9425), 1965-1976.
+==Images==
+[[File:PMID20029144_01_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_chorioretinal_scar.png|thumb|Chorioretinal scar in congenital toxoplasmosis]]
+[[File:PMID20029144_02_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_headlight_in_fog.png|thumb|"Headlight in the fog" appearance in toxoplasmic chorioretinitis]]
+[[File:Quarterly_precipitation_and_toxoplasmic_reactivation_of_retinochoroiditis.tif|thumb|Graph showing the relationship between precipitation and reactivation of retinochoroiditis]]
 [[Category:Eye diseases]]
 [[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
-[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
+[[Category:Inflammations]]
-{{stub}}
-== References ==
-<references />
-== External links ==
-* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024872/ Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis] at [[PubMed Health]]
-* [https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-chorioretinitis Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis] at [[American Academy of Ophthalmology]]