Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis
| image                  = [[File:PMID20029144_01_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_chorioretinal_scar.png|250px]]
| caption                = Chorioretinal scar in congenital toxoplasmosis
| field                  = [[Ophthalmology]]
| synonyms                = Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis
| symptoms                = [[Blurred vision]], [[floaters]], [[eye pain]], [[photophobia]]
| complications          = [[Vision loss]], [[retinal detachment]]
| onset                  = Any age, often in [[immunocompromised]] individuals
| duration                = Variable, can be chronic
| causes                  = [[Toxoplasma gondii]] infection
| risks                  = [[Immunosuppression]], [[congenital infection]]
| diagnosis              = [[Ophthalmic examination]], [[serology]], [[PCR]]
| differential            = [[Cytomegalovirus retinitis]], [[syphilitic chorioretinitis]], [[tuberculous chorioretinitis]]
| treatment              = [[Antiparasitic]] medications, [[corticosteroids]]
| medication              = [[Pyrimethamine]], [[sulfadiazine]], [[folinic acid]]
| prognosis              = Variable, depends on severity and treatment
| frequency              = Common in areas with high prevalence of [[Toxoplasma gondii]]
}}
{{Short description|An eye disease caused by the parasite ''Toxoplasma gondii''}}
{{Short description|An eye disease caused by the parasite ''Toxoplasma gondii''}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
'''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 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==
==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.
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==
==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.
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==
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.
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==
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.
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==
==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.
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==
==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.
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==
==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.
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.
 
== Toxoplasmic_chorioretinitis images ==
==Related pages==
<gallery>
File:PMID20029144_02_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_headlight_in_fog.png|Congenital toxoplasmosis - headlight in fog
File:Quarterly_precipitation_and_toxoplasmic_reactivation_of_retinochoroiditis.tif|Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis
</gallery>
==See also==
* [[Toxoplasmosis]]
* [[Toxoplasmosis]]
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Retinitis]]
* [[Retinitis]]
==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==
==Images==
[[File:PMID20029144_01_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_chorioretinal_scar.png|thumb|Chorioretinal scar in congenital toxoplasmosis]]
[[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: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]]
[[File:Quarterly_precipitation_and_toxoplasmic_reactivation_of_retinochoroiditis.tif|thumb|Graph showing the relationship between precipitation and reactivation of retinochoroiditis]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
== Toxoplasmic_chorioretinitis ==
<gallery>
File:PMID20029144_01_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_chorioretinal_scar.png|Congenital toxoplasmosis - chorioretinal scar
File:PMID20029144_02_congenital_toxoplasmosis_-_headlight_in_fog.png|Congenital toxoplasmosis - headlight in fog
File:Quarterly_precipitation_and_toxoplasmic_reactivation_of_retinochoroiditis.tif|Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 06:35, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis
Synonyms Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Blurred vision, floaters, eye pain, photophobia
Complications Vision loss, retinal detachment
Onset Any age, often in immunocompromised individuals
Duration Variable, can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Toxoplasma gondii infection
Risks Immunosuppression, congenital infection
Diagnosis Ophthalmic examination, serology, PCR
Differential diagnosis Cytomegalovirus retinitis, syphilitic chorioretinitis, tuberculous chorioretinitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Antiparasitic medications, corticosteroids
Medication Pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, folinic acid
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Common in areas with high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii
Deaths N/A


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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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.

Toxoplasmic_chorioretinitis images[edit]

See also[edit]

Images[edit]

Chorioretinal scar in congenital toxoplasmosis
"Headlight in the fog" appearance in toxoplasmic chorioretinitis
Graph showing the relationship between precipitation and reactivation of retinochoroiditis