Toxoplasmosis ocular en lactantes de 0 a 12 meses de edad con toxoplasmosis congénita / Ocular toxoplasmosis in infants 0 to 12 months of age with congenital toxoplasmosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La toxoplasmosis ocular (TO) es una retinocoroiditis que evoluciona con varios episodios de inflamación y puede presentarse, tanto en la forma congénita o adquirida de la enfermedad, OBJETIVO: Describir la frecuencia y características clínicas de la TO en lactantes de 0 a 12 meses, hijos de madres con serología positiva para toxoplasmosis en el periodo perinatal. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio descriptivo transversal, ambispectivo. Ingresaron lactantes de 0 a 12 meses de edad, cuyas madres tenían serología positiva para toxoplasmosis en el periodo perinatal, remitidos al servicio de oftalmología pediátrica para evaluación. Se recogieron variables demográficas, serología materna y de los lactantes, y los resultados del examen oftalmológico. Los datos fueron analizados en SPSS-v21. RESULTADOS: El 46,4% de 125 lactantes tenían TO, de ellos, 67,2% era de sexo femenino (p = 0,04), la mediana de edad fue de 6 meses, el 41% tenía IgG e IgM positiva. Las lesiones fueron bilaterales en 82,8%, central en 86,2%, e inactivas en 81%. La retinocoroiditis se acompañó de estrabismo en 41%. CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de TO en esta población de lactantes con toxoplasmosis congénita, fue elevada. Más de 80% de las lesiones oculares eran inactivas, de localización central y compromiso bilateral.

BACKGROUND: Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a retinochoroiditis that evolves with several episodes of inflammation and can occur both in the congenital or acquired form of the disease, AIM: To describe the frequency and clinical characteristics of OT in infants aged 0 to 12 months, children of mothers with positive serology for toxoplasmosis in the perinatal period. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive, ambispective study. RESULTS: Infants from 0 to 12 months of age, whose mothers had positive serology for toxoplasmosis in the perinatal period, referred to the pediatric ophthalmology service for evaluation, were admitted. Demographic variables, maternal and infant serology and the results of the ophthalmological examination were collected. Data were analyzed in SPSS v21 RESULTS: 46.4% of 125 infants had OT, of them 67.2% were female, (p = 0.04) the median age was 6 months, 41% had IgG and IgM positive. The lesions were bilateral in 82.8%, central in 86.2%, and inactive in 81%. Retinochoroiditis was accompanied by strabismus in 41%. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of OT in this population of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis was high. more than 80% of the eye lesions were inactive, centrally located and bilaterally involved.

Pars plana vitrectomy and visual stimulation for treatment of vitreomacular traction secondary to toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis in a 5-year-old child / Vitrectomia via pars plana e estimulação visual para tratamento da tração vitreomacular secundária à retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose em criança de 5 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: A unusual case of ocular toxoplasmosis with significant vitreomacular traction is reported. The patient improved significantly following pars plana vitrectomy combined with visual stimulation and occlusion therapy. Methods: The case of a 5-year-old girl with significant unilateral vision loss associated with vitreous condensation and macular traction is described. Results: Pars plana vitrectomy was carried out for vitreomacular traction release. This was followed by visual stimulation and occlusion therapy. Significant improvement was observed. Conclusion: Despite structural damage, the combination of properly indicated surgery and amblyopia management strategies allowed the achievement of maximum vision goals in this case, suggesting structural damage may be associated with functional amblyopia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relata-se um caso de apresentação atípica de toxoplasmose ocular, com importante tração vitreomacular. A paciente apresentou melhora significativa após vitrectomia via pars plana, com estimulação visual e oclusão. Métodos: Descreve-se o caso de uma menina de 5 anos, com importante perda de visão unilateral associada à condensação vítrea e à tração macular. Resultados: Foi realizada vitrectomia via pars plana para alívio da tração vitreomacular, seguida de estimulação visual e oclusão. Foi observada melhora significativa. Conclusão: Apesar dos danos estruturais, a combinação de cirurgia bem indicada com estratégias de tratamento da ambliopia permitiu alcançar o máximo do potencial visual nesta paciente, sugerindo que os danos estruturais podem estar associados à ambliopia funcional.

Uncommon progression of toxoplasmic papillitis: patient perception and case report / Papilite por toxoplasmose ocular com evolução incomum: percepção do paciente e relato de caso

ABSTRACT Ocular toxoplasmosis frequently presents as necrotizing retinochoroiditis and, less often, as peripapillary chorioretinitis and/or papillitis. The progression from papillitis to peripapillary retinochoroiditis has been rarely described. We report the case of a 52-year-old patient living in southern Brazil, who developed papillitis in the right eye and was treated with systemic corticosteroids (prednisone 0.6 mg/kg/day and pulse therapy with methylprednisolone 15 mg/kg/day, for 3 days). After 14 days, the patient developed peripapillary retinochoroiditis with vitritis and decreased visual acuity (20/60), and was immediately initiated on the classic oral treatment for toxoplasmosis, consisting of pyrimethamine (50 mg/day), sulfadiazine (4 g/day), folinic acid (15 mg every 3 days) and prednisone (0.6 mg/kg/day). The visual acuity of the right eye normalized after treatment (20/20), which lasted approximately 70 days, but scotomas were detected on visual field examination, especially in the lower nasal quadrant. Although two studies mentioned this presentation, our report emphasizes the possible manifestation of ocular toxoplasmosis as papillitis in the initial phase, with progression to peripapillary retinochoroiditis and permanent visual field defects, which justifies early treatment for toxoplasmosis in suspected cases, especially in endemic regions.

RESUMO A toxoplasmose ocular manifesta-se com maior frequência por um quadro de retinocoroidite necrotizante e, com menor frequência, por coriorretinite justapapilar e/ou papilite. A evolução de papilite para retinocoroidite justapapilar raramente foi descrita. Apresenta-se o relato de caso de uma paciente de 52 anos, habitante da Região Sul do Brasil, que iniciou com quadro de papilite em olho direito, sendo tratada com corticoides sistêmicos (prednisona 0,6/mg/kg ao dia e pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona 15mg/kg ao dia, por 3 dias), mas, após 14 dias, evoluiu para retinocoroidite justapapilar, com vitreíte e diminuição de acuidade visual (20/60), sendo imediatamente instituído o tratamento via oral clássico para toxoplasmose, com pirimetamina (50 mg ao dia), sulfadiazina (4 g ao dia) e ácido folínico (15 mg a cada 3 dias), e mantida a prednisona (0.6 mg/kg/dia). A acuidade visual do olho direito normalizou após o tratamento (20/20), que durou em torno de 70 dias, porém desenvolveu escotomas ao exame de campo visual, sobretudo de quadrante nasal inferior. Embora tenham sido encontrados dois trabalhos que mencionam essa forma de apresentação, o presente relato destaca-se por enfatizar a possibilidade de manifestação da toxoplasmose ocular por meio de papilite na fase inicial, que evolui com retinocoroidite justapapilar, causando defeito permanente de campo visual, justificando que se avalie a instituição de tratamento precoce para toxoplasmose dos casos suspeitos, sobretudo em região endêmica.

Surgical outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with ocular toxoplasmosis / Resultados cirúrgicos do descolamento regmatogênico de retina associado à toxoplasmose ocular

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of surgical treatment of retinal detachment secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from patients who had undergone vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis was conducted. The parameters that were analyzed include surgical procedures, anatomical outcomes, visual acuity, and postoperative complications. Results: This study included 22 patients, of which 13 were female (59.1%). The mean age was 28.5 years (SD ± 14.5, range 12-78 years) and the follow-up period varied from 1 to 163 months (mean 64 months). The mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.0 logMAR (SD ± 1.0). A total of 31 surgeries were performed, and the retina was reattached in 15 patients (68.2%) immediately after the first surgery and in 20 patients (90.9%) at a later point. The mean postoperative BCVA improved to 1.3 logMAR (SD ± 0.9) (p<0.05). Nineteen patients (86.4%) underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens implant, and 12 patients (60.0%) underwent silicone oil removal. Five patients (22.7%) exhibited elevated intraocular pressure, and 1 patient (4.5%) developed hypotonia. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of retinal detachment secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis resulted in considerable anatomical and functional improvement. Although PPV with silicone oil injection demonstrated the best outcomes, it is not reasonable to conclude that this is the best surgical approach given the small number of patients included in this study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados anatômicos e funcionais após o tratamento do descolamento de retina secundário à toxoplasmose ocular. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de dados de um banco de dados validado, que incluiu registros de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia vitreorretiniana para descolamento de retina secundário a toxoplasmose ocular. Foram analisados procedimentos cirúrgicos, sucesso anatômico, acuidade visual e complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Foram avaliados 22 olhos de 22 pacientes. Treze eram do sexo feminino (59,1%) e a idade média era de 28,5 anos (DP ± 14,5, intervalo de 12 a 78 anos). O período de acompanhamento variou de 1 a 163 meses (média de 64 meses). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA) foi 2,0 logMAR (SD ± 1,0). Em geral, entre retinopexia (RSB) e vitrectomia pars plana (PPV) utilizando injeção de óleo de gás ou de silicone (SO), realizaram-se 31 cirurgias. A retina foi considerada colada em 15 olhos (68,2%) na primeira cirurgia e em 20 olhos (90,9%) ao final do estudo. A BCVA pós-operatória média melhorou para 1,3 logMAR (SD ± 0,9) (p<0,05). Dezenove olhos (86,4%) foram submetidos à cirurgia de catarata com implante de lente intraocular e 12 olhos (60,0%) tiveram remoção de óleo de silicone. Cinco olhos (22,7%) desenvolveram pressão intraocu­lar elevada e 1 (4,5%) desenvolveu hipotonia. Conclusão: A abordagem cirúrgica no descolamento de retina secundária a toxoplasmose ocular permitiu importante melhora anatômica e funcional. Embora a PPV com injeção de óleo de silicone tenha demonstrado melhores resultados, não é viável afirmar que é a melhor técnica cirúrgica, devido ao pequeno número e às particularidades dos olhos tratados.

Combined branch retinal vein and artery occlusion in toxoplasmosis / Oclusão combinada de ramo arterial e venoso retinianos em toxoplasmose

ABSTRACT A 22-year-old man complained of low visual acuity and pain in his left eye for five days. His ophthalmological examination revealed 2+ anterior chamber reaction and a white, poorly defined retinal lesion at the proximal portion of the inferotemporal vascular arcade. There were retinal hemorrhages in the inferotemporal region extending to the retinal periphery. In addition, venous dilation, increased tortuosity, and ischemic retinal whitening along the inferotemporal vascular arcade were also observed. A proper systemic work-up was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis. He was treated with an anti-toxoplasma medication, and his condition slowly improved. Inferior macular inner and middle retinal atrophy could be observed on optical coherence tomography as a sequela of ischemic injury. To our knowledge, this is the first report of combined retinal branch vein and artery occlusion in toxoplasmosis resulting in a striking and unusual macular appearance.

RESUMO Um paciente do sexo masculino, com 22 anos de idade, queixou-se de redução da acuidade visual no olho esquerdo por 5 dias. O exame oftalmológico mostrou reação de câmara anterior 2+ e uma lesão retiniana esbranquiçada, pouco definida, na porção proximal da arcada vascular temporal inferior. Foram observadas hemorragias retinianas na região temporal inferior estendendo-se à periferia, assim como ingurgitamento venoso, aumento da tortuosidade e palidez isquêmica da retina no mesmo quadrante. Exames laboratoriais corroboraram o diagnóstico de toxoplasmose ocular. O paciente melhorou lentamente após tratamento apropriado. Foi evidenciada atrofia da retina macular inferior interna e média à tomografia de coerência óptica, como sequela da isquemia retiniana. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relato de oclusão retiniana combinada de ramo arterial e venoso em toxoplasmose ocular, levando a um aspecto fundoscópico atípico e peculiar.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interferon gamma gene are associated with distinct types of retinochoroidal scar lesions presumably caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection

The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interferon (IFN)-γ gene ( IFNG ) with different types of retinal scar lesions presumably caused by toxoplasmosis were investigated in a cross-sectional population-based genetic study. Ten SNPs were investigated and after Bonferroni correction, only the associations between SNPs rs2069718 and rs3181035 with retinal/retinochoroidal scar lesions type A (most severe scar lesions) and C (least severe scar lesions), respectively, remained significant. The associations of two different IFNG SNPs with two different types of retinal lesions attributable to toxoplasmosis support the hypothesis that different inflammatory mechanisms underlie the development of these lesions. The in vitro analysis of IFN-γ secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with Toxoplasma gondii antigens was also investigated. The association between SNP rs2069718 and type A scar lesions revealed that differential IFN-γ levels are correlated with distinct genotypes. However, no correlation was observed with IFN-γ secretion levels and the SNP rs3181035 , which was significantly associated with type C scar lesions. Our findings strongly suggest that immunogenetic studies of individuals with congenital or postnatally acquired infection are needed to better understand the role of IFN-γ and its polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Achados oculares em crianças com toxoplasmose congênita / Ocular findings in children with congenital toxoplasmosis

OBJETIVO: Conhecer as lesões oculares mais frequentes encontradas em crianças expostas à toxoplasmose congênita. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, a partir de uma coorte histórica, de abordagem quantitativa. Foram avaliadas crianças encaminhadas de um serviço de infectologia pediátrica e inseridas apenas aquelas com diagnóstico confirmado de toxoplasmose congênita. A avaliação oftalmológica incluiu o mapeamento de retina sequencial, sob dilatação pupilar. RESULTADOS: Das 58 crianças presumivelmente expostas ao risco de doença durante a gestação, 20 apresentaram lesões oftalmológicas ao longo do primeiro ano de vida (34 olhos). Destas, 12 estavam assintomáticas ao nascimento. Estrabismo foi registrado em 14 crianças (70 por cento). Em uma criança observou-se ptose palpebral e em outra diminuição da fenda palpebral (microftalmia). Retinocoroidite foi a complicação mais frequente, presente em todas as 20 crianças. Sete crianças apresentaram alterações unilaterais (35 por cento) e 13 crianças apresentaram alterações bilaterais (65 por cento), prevalecendo a localização no polo posterior e mácula. CONCLUSÃO: Retinocoroidite e estrabismo destacaram-se como importantes sequelas da toxoplasmose congênita.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to know the most common ocular findings in children with congenital toxoplasmosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study carried out from a historical cohort, with a quantitative approach. We evaluated children referred to a pediatric infectious disease service and included only those with confirmed diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. The ophthalmologic evaluation included regular fundus examination under pupil dilation. RESULTS: Of 58 children presumably exposed to risk of the disease during the pregnancy, 20 had ocular lesions during the first year of life (34 eyes). Of these, 12 were asymptomatic at birth. Strabismus was noted in 14 children (70 percent). In one child there was ptosis, and another had decrease in the palpebral fissure (microphthalmia). Retinochoroiditis was the most common complication, present in all 20 children. Seven children (35 percent) showed unilateral changes and 13 children showed bilateral changes (65 percent), with emphasis on the location in the posterior pole and macula. CONCLUSION: Retinochoroiditis and strabismus were outstanding as important sequelae of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis.

The purpose of the study was to report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis in an 18-year-old female patient. She was treated with a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. The CNV resolved as confirmed by fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The visual acuity improved to 20/30, which was maintained till the last follow-up visit at two years, without requisition of a repeat injection.

Comportamiento de la toxoplasmosis ocular activa en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer / Behavior of the active ocular toxoplasmosis in patients of the Ram¾n Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology

OBJETIVO: Describir los hallazgos patológicos en una serie de pacientes con toxoplasmosis ocular. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de serie de casos, con el propósito de describir el comportamiento de la forma activa de la toxoplasmosis ocular en pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer durante el año 2009. Se examinaron 128 pacientes, a quienes se les efectuó examen oftalmológico completo y de laboratorio. RESULTADOS: La forma de presentación más común fue una retinitis, y el grupo etáreo más afectado fue el de 20 a 29 años, con ligero predominio del sexo femenino. La disminución de la visión y los flotadores fueron los principales síntomas de presentación, y el diagnóstico se realizó en 106 pacientes de forma clínica. La inflamación predominó en la zona I de la retina y dañó principalmente, de manera oderada, la visión de los pacientes en el ojo afectado al momento del diagnóstico. Se instauró tratamiento en 122 de los 128 pacientes y este fue en su mayoría el esquema estándar de pirimetamina, sulfadiazina y prednisona. El 53,1 por ciento de los ojos afectados recuperaron su visión normal, mientras permanecieron con disminución de la visión severa 34 ojos, la mayoría causada por complicaciones como cicatrices maculares, que fueron las más registradas. CONCLUSIONES: Buenos resultados visuales pueden ser obtenidos con una terapia adecuada aunque esta dependerá del área de la retina afectada, el nivel de la inflamación intraocular y el tiempo de duración de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathological findings in a series of patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A case-series, descriptive and observational study was conducted to describe the behavior of the active way of the ocular toxoplasmosis in patients seen in the Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology over 2009. A total of 128 were examined who underwent a total laboratory and ophthalmologic examination. RESULTS: The commonest presentation way was as a retinitis and the more involved age-group was that of 20-29 years, with a slight predominance of female sex. The vision decrease and the floaters were the main symptoms of presentation, the clinical diagnosis was made in 106 patients. Inflammation predominated in the 1 retinal zone and involved mainly in a moderate way the vision of patients in the involved eye at diagnosis. In 122 of the 128 treatment was applied consisted in most of the standard scheme of pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and prednisone. The 43.1 percent of involved eyes recovered it normal vision, whereas 34 eyes remained with a severe decrease, most caused by complications including macular scars, which were the more registered. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to achieve good visual results with an appropriate therapy although it will depend on the involved retinal area, the level of intraocular inflammation and the length of the disease

Clinical Features of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Korean Patients

We report here the records of 10 consecutive Korean patients (10 eyes) with ocular toxoplasmosis which showed the typical clinical manifestations with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG antibodies by micro-ELISA between 2006 and 2010. Nine patients were males and 1 was female; their age was 50.5+/-13.8 years. The most common accompanying signs were vitritis (100%), anterior uveitis (70%), and scattered white deposit (80%). Pre-existing retinochoroidal scar was found in 1 (10%) patient. All patients received antiparasitic chemotherapy and systemic corticosteroid treatment, which resolved the presenting attack and recovered the visual acuity better than initial one in 9 patients and worse in 1. Optic atrophy, cataract, and retinal neovascularization were observed during the follow-up period and recurrence was detected in 3 eyes (30%) 6 to 20 months after the initial attack. In Korea, although rarely detected and reported, ocular toxoplasmosis needs more attention in clinical field of retinal diseases.

Retinocoroidite toxoplásmica em pacientes com AIDS e neurotoxoplasmose / Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in patients with AIDS and neurotoxoplasmosis

OBJETIVO: A neurotoxoplasmose é a alteração do sistema nervoso central mais frequente observada em pacientes com AIDS. A ocorrência de toxoplasmose ocular em neurotoxoplasmose ainda é pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi de investigar a ocorrência de retinocoroidite toxoplásmica, típica ou provável, em pacientes com AIDS e neurotoxoplasmose. MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido estudo prospectivo, tipo série de casos incluindo 70 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, com idade variando de 20 a 63 anos, internados nas enfermarias de três hospitais públicos da cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, com tais diagnósticos firmados segundo os critérios do CDC (1992), no período de janeiro a outubro de 2008. Os pacientes caracterizavam-se por: primeiro episódio de neurotoxoplasmose (65; 92,9 por cento) ou recidiva (5; 7,1 por cento); desconhecimento de ter AIDS (23; 32,9 por cento), contagem média de linfócitos T CD4 de 139,8 ± 3,04 células/mm³ e carga viral média igual a 137.080 ± 39.380 cópias/mL. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico, consistindo de: inspeção ocular; aferição da acuidade visual; investigação da função muscular extrínseca ocular e fundoscopia, empregando oftalmoscópio indireto binocular (modelo OHN 3.5 (Eyetec®) e lente externa de 20 dioptrias (Volk®). RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticados 4 (5,7 por cento) pacientes com lesões cicatriciais de retinocoroidite, características de toxoplasmose ocular, sendo típica em 3 (75 por cento) pacientes e bilateral em 1. Não houve qualquer caso de retinocoroidite ativa, típica ou provável. As lesões oculares ativas foram raras comparadas às lesões cicatriciais, as quais se associam à presença de cistos na retina. CONCLUSÃO: Recomenda-se que mesmo lesões cicatriciais sejam valorizadas em pacientes com AIDS.

PURPOSE: Neurotoxoplasmosis is the most common central nervous system disorder in patients with AIDS. The occurrence of ocular toxoplasmosis in neurotoxoplasmosis is not well studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of typical or probable toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in patients with AIDS and neurotoxoplasmosis. METHODS: A prospective case series was performed, including 70 patients of both genders, aged from 20 to 63 years, hospitalized in three public hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco, with such diagnosis according to the CDC criteria (1992), from January to October, 2008. RESULTS: Patients were characterized by first neurotoxoplasmosis episode (65, 92.9 percent) or relapse (5, 7.1 percent), ignorance of AIDS diagnosis (23, 32.9 percent), mean CD4 T lymphocytes count of 139.8 ± 3.04 cells/mm³ and mean viral load of 137,080 ± 39,380 copies/mL. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examination, consisting of ocular inspection, visual acuity measurement, investigation of ocular extrinsic muscle function and fundoscopy, using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (model OHN 3.5 (Eyetec®) and 20 diopters external lens (Volk®). Four (5.7 percent) patients presented retinochoroiditis scar lesions, characteristic of ocular toxoplasmosis, typical in 3 (75 percent) of them and bilateral in one. There was no case of typical or probable active retinochoroiditis. Active ocular lesions were rare compared to scarring, which are associated with the presence of retinal cysts. CONCLUSION: Scarring lesions should be valued in patients with AIDS.

Toxoplasmosis ocular / Ocular toxoplasmosis

La toxoplasmosis ocular es una enfermedad producida por el parásito toxoplasma gondii. Es la causa más frecuente de uveítis posterior, es una enfermedad de distribución universal, al menos 500 millones de personas están infectadas en todo el mundo, ocasionando disminución de la visión y ceguera en muchas de ellas. Por tal motivo, realizamos una revisión actualizada sobre, la situación actual a nivel mundial, la historia de la enfermedad, la prevención, formas clínicas y el control de la toxoplasmosis. Se tratan otros aspectos de interés como el modo de transmisión, los hospederos (definitivos e intermediarios) y las manifestaciones clínicas más notables

The ocular toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It is the most frequent cause in posterior uveitis, and it spreads worldwide since at least 500 million people are infected in the entire world, causing decrease of vision and blindness in many of them. This is the reason why we made a literature review, the current situation worldwide, the history, the prevention, the clinical forms and the control of toxoplasmosis. Other interesting aspects were the channel of transmission, the hosts (intermediary and final) and the most remarkable clinical manifestations

Roturas retinianas em retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose: série de casos / Retinal tears in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis: case series

Trata-se de série retrospectiva de 10 pacientes com rotura retiniana e retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, de janeiro de 2007 a abril de 2008, com objetivo de avaliar a relação entre lesões de retinocoroidite e a ocorrência de rotura retiniana. Foram utilizados teste de Fisher e qui-quadrado com nível de significância p<0,05. Oito casos (80 por cento) apresentaram descolamento de retina. Doze roturas foram identificadas, localizando-se principalmente na periferia temporal superior (6 casos, 50 por cento). Não foi observada relação estatisticamente significativa entre localização da rotura e da cicatriz coriorretiniana considerando a distribuição em cinco quadrantes (p=0,0828) ou em três zonas (p=0,2507). A ocorrência de roturas retinianas em pacientes com uveíte posterior pode estar relacionada ao descolamento precoce do vítreo posterior causado pelo processo inflamatório intraocular. Não foi observado neste estudo correlação entre a localização das roturas retinianas e as cicatrizes de coriorretinite, o que sugere um mecanismo não relacionado diretamente à cicatriz.

This study is a retrospective case series aiming to evaluate the relation between toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis scars and the occurrence of retinal tears. Ten patients with retinal tear and toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis examined at the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto Clinics Hospital, between January 2007 and April 2008, were included. Fisher test and qui-square test with significance level of p<0.05 were used. Eight cases (80 percent) had retinal detachment. Twelve tears were found and localized mostly in the temporal superior periphery (6 cases, 50 percent). No statistically significant association between retinal tear and chorioretinal scar localization was observed considering five retinal quadrants (p=0.0828) or three zones (p=0.2507). The occurrence of retinal tears in patients with uveitis may be related to early posterior vitreous detachment caused by the intraocular inflammatory process. No correlation was observed between the localization of retinal tears and chorioretinal scars in this study, which suggests a causative factor not directly related to the presence of a scar.

Host immune response to Toxoplasma gondii and Ascaris lumbricoides in a highly endemic area: evidence of parasite co-immunomodulation properties influencing the outcome of both infections

Toxoplasmosis and ascaridiasis evoke polar Th-1 and Th-2 host immune responses, respectively. A study to investigate the specific cytokine profile production by in vitro cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals living under precarious sanitary conditions in a highly endemic area for the parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Ascaris lumbricoides was conducted. High levels of both IFN-³ (Th-1) and IL-13 (Th-2) were observed in groups of co-infected individuals presenting toxoplasmic ocular lesions. Significantly lower IL-10 and TGF-² levels were produced by co-infected individuals in comparison with groups of individuals not infected with A. lumbricoides and either positive or negative for T. gondii living under good sanitary conditions (control groups). The possible influence of co-parasitism on the clinical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis is discussed.

Ocular toxoplasmosis: the influence of patient age

The influence of patient age on various features of ocular toxoplasmosis has been a subject of study for many years. The age at which Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs in different populations is related to socioeconomic factors and studies suggest that ocular toxoplasmosis is a more severe disease at the extremes of age. The prevalence of ocular involvement is markedly different between individuals with congenital and those with post-natally acquired infections. Even among those with post-natally acquired infections, age influences the risk and timing of ocular involvement. The severity of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (in terms of lesion size, location and associated inflammation) is also affected by patient age at the time of initial infection or recurrence. The risk of recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is influenced by age at the time of initial infection and age at most recent episode of active disease. Understanding of relationships between ocular toxoplasmosis and patient age is incomplete; evidence has often been indirect and in some cases conflicting. The influence of patient age on ocular toxoplasmosis should be studied in a systematic manner to provide a better understanding of disease mechanisms and to provide clinical information that can used to establish better strategies for disease treatment and prevention.

Coroidite toxoplásmica unilateral: apoptose retiniana com migração de células pigmentares / Unilateral toxoplasmic choroiditis: retinal apoptosis with pigment-containing cells migration

No relato de um caso de toxoplasmose, com as lesões secundárias, os autores mostram como devem ser entendidos os achados anatomopatológicos. Em face do avanço da tecnologia e do infindável número de trabalhos correlatos, é importante detalhar o significado de cada alteração nos diversos segmentos das membranas oculares. Essa é a razão da valorização das técnicas clássicas de rotina e do destaque dado às seguintes partes: 1 – A clínica – 2 – a macroscopia, mostrando a gravidade da inflamação ocular. 3 – A microscopia com as etapas para o diagnóstico etiológico, nas quais se procuram correlacionar os achados dos corantes de rotina – HE, azul de toluidina e tricrômico – com as reações específicas imunohistoquímicas para toxoplasma. 4 – Imagens que visam a separar a inflamação da coróide, do processo degenerativo secundário da retina, a apoptose. 5 – Degeneração cistóide da retina e evidência, anatomopatológica, de apoptose retiniana e migração de células do epitélio pigmentar para a retina. 6 – Comentários sobre os significados da retinopatia pigmentar, da retinite pigmentosa e da apoptose

In a report of a toxoplasmosis case with secondary lesions, the authors show how the anatomopathologic findings should be understood. In face of the technological improvements and the great number of related works it is important to specify the meaning of eachchange in ocular membranes. This is the reason for valorization of the classical laboratory practice and the distinction given to the following parts: 1 – The clinic. 2 – Macroscopy showing the graveness of the ocular inflammation. 3 – Microscopy with the stages for etiological diagnosis, in which the authors try to correlate the findings of the routine procedure stains – HE, toluidine blue and trichromic – with the specific immunohistochemical reactions for toxoplasm. 4 – Images that aim at separating clearly the inflammation of the choroid, from the secondary degenerative process of retina, the apoptosis. 5 – Retinal cystoid degeneration and anatomopathologic evidence of retinal apoptosis, and migration of pigment epithelial cells to retina. 6 – Comments on the meaning of pigmentary retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and apoptosis

Vitreítis sin retinocoroiditis en toxoplasmosis ocular / Vitreitis with Retinochoroiditis in ocular toxoplasmosis / Vitreitis with Retinochoroditis in ocular toxoplasmosis

Se presenta el caso de una paciente con toxoplasmosis ocular y un tercer episodio inusual de recurrencia, caracterizado por vitreítis sin coriorretinitis activa. La paciente fue tratada con azitromicina y presentó mejoría sustancial de su cuadro clínico. Se enfatiza la importancia de sospechar la recurrencia de una toxoplasmosis ocular ante la presencia de signos de uveítis –en este caso, vitreítis– aun sin la presencia concomitante de inflamación coriorretinal

Presumed ocular toxoplasmosis presenting as papillitis.

Unilateral papillitis is a rare manifestation of ocular toxoplasmosis. However, other causes of papillitis need to be ruled out before concluding the diagnosis.

Toxoplasmose adquirida ganglionar associada á uveíte anterior granulomatosa sem retinocoroidite / Ganglionar acquired toxoplasmosis associated with granulomatous anterior uveites without retinochoroiditis

Os autores relatam um caso de toxoplasmose ganglionar associada com uveíte anterior granulomatosa sem lesäo retiniana e tentam, neste estudo, explicar a fisiopatologia deste achado. É a primeira publicaçäo sobrea presença cancomitante de toxoplasmose ganglionar com iridocicle granulomatosa sem retinocoroidite em paciente imunocompatente.