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.

Neovascularización coroidea en pacientes con uveítis / Choroidal neovascularization in patients with uveitis

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la neovascularización coroidea en los pacientes con uveítis. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de neovascularización coroidea asociada a uveítis, atendidos en el Servicio de Uveítis e Inflamaciones Oculares del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer". Resultados: Esta entidad predominó en el sexo femenino, en edad pediátrica y en jóvenes. Se asoció con mayor frecuencia a enfermedades infecciosas, como la toxoplasmosis ocular, y un pequeño número de pacientes desarrolló membrana neovascular coroidea bilateral. Las membranas localizadas con mayor frecuencia fueron las subfoveales. Por angiografía fluoresceínica predominaron las clásicas, mientras el grosor de la membrana neovascular coroidea fue mayor que el grosor foveal central. La agudeza visual mejor corregida en la mayoría de nuestros pacientes fue menor de 85 VAR. Conclusión: La membrana neovascular coroidea asociada a las uveítis es reconocida como una complicación infrecuente, pero compromete de forma severa la visión en estos pacientes(AU)

Objective. To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of choroidal neovascularization in patients with uveitis. Method. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with a diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization associated with uveitis, attended in the Uveitis and Ocular Inflammations Service of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer". Results. This entity predominated in the female sex, in pediatric age and youth. It was more frequently associated with infectious diseases, such as ocular toxoplasmosis, and a small number of patients developed bilateral choroidal neovascular membrane. The most frequent location of the membranes were the subfoveal ones, by fluorescein angiography the predominantly classic ones and the thickness of the choroidal neovascular membrane was greater than the central foveal thickness. The best corrected visual acuity in most of our patients was less than 85 VAR. Conclusion. CNVM associated with uveitis is recognized as an uncommon complication but one that severely compromises vision in these patients(AU)

Toxoplasmosis ocular en Colombia: 10 años de aportes investigativos / Ocular toxoplasmosis in Colombia: 10 years of research contributions

Objetivo: Describir aportes investigativos en Toxoplasmosis ocular, realizados en Colombia. Método: Revisión narrativa de la literatura entre 2007 y 2017 en Toxoplasmosis Ocular (TO) en Colombia, sobre aspectos relacionados con el parásito y con el hospedero. Se incluyeron las revisiones publicadas, así como todos los artículos originales relacionados con diversos temas: epidemiológicos, inmunológicos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos a través de PubMed usando los términos MeSH, con la siguiente sintaxis: "(((Colombia[Affiliation]) OR colombia[MeSHTerms]) OR south america[MeSH Terms]) AND "toxoplasmosis, ocular"[MeSH Terms] AND ("2007/01/01"[PDAT] : "2017/12/31"[PDAT]). Adicionalmente se realizaron búsquedas manuales. Resultados: En la búsqueda de la literatura con los términos MESH mencionados, se encontraron 36 artículos, distribuidos en el territorio con 10 en Colombia y 26 en el resto de Suramérica. Se encontraron diferencias importantes relacionadas con el parásito y con el hospedero, al comparar Colombia con el mundo. Las cepas en Colombia son más virulentas (Tipo I/III y atípicas). Se encontró una alta prevalencia de títulos positivos y desarrollo de TO en el país, presentándose el agua y los productos cárnicos como uno de los principales medios de contagio. Se determinó la importancia de péptidos que activan la respuesta inmune humoral en pacientes. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la severidad clínica (tamaño de las lesiones, grado de inflamación, compromiso macular, compromiso bilateral y recurrencias, siendo mayores para los pacientes colombianos) relacionada con la respuesta inflamatoria producida en el hospedero, asociada con una disminución de los niveles intraoculares de IFN-γ /IL-17 y un aumento de IL-6/Il-13. En los pacientes colombianos el citoquinoma ocular está relacionado con las características clínicas, presentando una respuestaTh 2 relacionada con un compromiso severo ocular. Conclusión: Los aportes investigativos que Colombia ha realizado en TO, han sido de importancia mundial, permitiendo conocer más acerca del tipo de parásito, la epidemiología, la presentación clínica y la respuesta inmune.

Purpose: To describe research contributions in ocular toxoplasmosis performed in Colombia. Method: We conducted a narrative review of the literature on ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in Colombia between 2007 and 2017 on aspects related to the parasite and to the host. Published reviews were included, as well as all the original articles related to various topics: epidemiological, immunological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic through PubMed using the MeSH terms, with the following syntax: "(((Colombia [Affi liation]) OR colombia [MeSH Terms]) OR south america [MeSH Terms]) AND "toxoplasmosis, ocular" [MeSH Terms] AND ("2007/01/01" [PDAT]: "2017/12/31" [PDAT]). Hand searches were also conducted. Results: In the literature search with the MESH terms, 36 articles were found, distributed in the territory with 10 in Colombia and 26 in the rest of South America. Important diff erences were found in the relationship between the parasite and the host when comparing Colombia with the rest of the world. The strains in Colombia are more virulent (Type I / III and atypical) and we found a high prevalence of positive titers and development of OT in the country, with water and meat products as one of the main means of contagion. The importance of peptides that triggered the humoral immune response in patients was determined. Significant differences were found in the clinical severity (with Colombian patients experiencing a greater size of lesions, degree of infl ammation, macular involvement, bilateral involvement, and recurrences) related to the infl ammatory response produced in the host, associated with a decrease in intraocular levels of IFN-γ / IL-17 and an increase of IL-6 / Il-13. In Colombian patients, ocular cytokinome is related to clinical features, presenting a Th 2 response related to severe ocular involvement. Conclusion: Research contributions of OT in Colombia have been of global importance, allowing to know more about the type of parasite, the epidemiology, the clinical presentation, the immune response.

Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de la toxoplasmosis en pacientes que consultan por problemas de visión / Clinical and epidemiological aspects of toxoplasmosis in patients with vision problems

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease; it can cause decreased vision or even blindness. The route of transmission in humans may vary according to the habits of the region; probably the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat is the main source of infection. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in an eye clinic, the frequency of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) and risk habits for acquiring the infection. Materials and Methods: Adult patients consulting in the Retina Department of the Teaching Hospital of the National University of Asuncion, Paraguay between August and September, 2014 were included. Prior informed consent, socio-demographic and epidemiological data related to T. gondii infection were obtained. In addition a blood sample for the determination of anti T. gondii IgG antibodies by the ELISA method was taken and ophthalmologic evaluation for the diagnosis of OT was made. Results: A total of 80 patients with mean ± SD age of 53 ± 20 years were studied, with slight predominance of women (55%). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 84% (67/80) and OT was detected in 8.9% of the 67 seropositive persons. The habit of not washing vegetables with sodium hypochlorite and eat meat from wild animals was related to higher risk of infection in this population. Conclusion: It is important to conduct research at the population level to establish the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in our country. Information on prophylactic measures to prevent infection by T. gondii should be given to the population.

Introducción: La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial, que puede ocasionar disminución de la visión hasta ceguera. La vía de transmisión en el hombre puede variar de acuerdo a los hábitos de cada región, siendo probablemente la ingestión de carne cruda o mal cocida la principal vía de contagio. Objetivo: Determinar la seroprevalencia de toxoplasmosis en una clínica oftalmológica, la frecuencia de toxoplasmosis ocular (TO) y los hábitos de riesgo para adquirir la enfermedad. Pacientes y Métodos: Fueron incluidos 80 pacientes adultos que consultaron en el Departamento de Retina de la Cátedra de Oftalmología del Hospital de Clínicas entre agosto y septiembre de 2014. Previo consentimiento informado, se obtuvieron los datos socio-demográficos y epidemiológicos relacionados a la infección por Toxoplasma gondii. Además se tomó una muestra de sangre para la determinación de anticuerpos del tipo IgG anti T. gondii por el método de ELISA y se realizó la evaluación oftalmológica para el diagnóstico de TO. Resultados: La edad promedio ± DE fue de 53 ± 20 años, con leve predominio de mujeres (55%). La seroprevalencia de toxoplasmosis fue de 84% (67/80) y la TO se detectó en 8,9% de los 67 seropositivos. Se observó que el hábito de no lavar las verduras con hipoclorito de sodio y comer carne silvestre presentó mayor riesgo de contraer la infección en esta población. Conclusión: Es importante realizar trabajos de investigación a nivel poblacional para establecer la epidemiología de la toxoplasmosis en nuestro país. Se debe dar a conocer a la población las medidas de profilaxis para evitar la infección por T. gondii.

Epidemiologia de la toxoplasmosis ocular en pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Oftalmología del Perú, 2003-2007 / Ocular toxoplasmosis epidemiology in patients of National Institute Ophthalmology of Peru, 2003-2007

Objetivo: Describir las características clínico epidemiológicas de la Toxoplasmosis ocular activa, enpacientes del Servicio de Úvea del Instituto Nacional de Oftalmología (INO), desde el 2003 hasta el 2007. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, en el que se utilizaron 1498 historiasclínicas de pacientes del servicio de Úvea del Instituto Nacional de Oftalmología desde enero del 2003hasta octubre del 2007. Se obtuvieron 210 historias con diagnóstico de Toxoplasmosis ocular, siendo excluidos del estudio 109 pacientes por presentar: 16 IgG toxoplasma negativo, 46 sin coriorretinitis exudativa activa, 45 sin IgG toxoplasma y dos con opacidad vítrea intensa. La ceguera legal fue definida como la mejor agudeza visual corregida en el ojo afectado, menor o igual a 20/200. Se utilizaron comovariables: la edad, sexo, lugar de nacimiento y procedencia, características clínicas, tiempo de seguimiento, tiempo de inactivación de la lesión, complicaciones y agudeza visual final. Resultados: De 99 pacientes(102 ojos), el 55,56% fueron del sexo masculino. El grupo etario mayormente comprometido fueel de 21-30 años (31,31%). El 96,97% presentó lesión unilateral. La localización más frecuente fue la perifé-rica (61,90%). La complicación más frecuente: lesiones maculares (23,53%). El 7,07% de pacientes fue VIH(+), sin diferencias en la presentación clínica con respecto a los otros pacientes. Conclusiones: Lafrecuencia de Toxoplasmosis Ocular fue de 14,02%, inferior a los reportes mundiales (22,5%), lapresentación clínica-epidemiológica fue similar a la descrita en la literatura, mayormente en nacidos enel interior del país, en la tercera década de la vida, afección ocular unilateral y localización periférica de lalesión retinal. (AU)

Objective: To describe clinical - epidemiological characteristics of the ocular active toxoplasmosis, in patients of Uvea's Service of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, from 2003 to 2007. Materials and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study, which used 1498 patient records Uveal Service National Eye Institute from January 2003 to October 2007 as an information source. Were 210 patients obtained with diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Were 109 patients excluded: 16 IgG toxoplasma negative, 46 without exudative chorioretinitis activate, 45 without IgG toxoplasma, 02 with intense vitreous opacity. Legal blindness was definite to the best visual keenness corrected in the affected, minor eye or like 20/200. Variables were used as age, sex, place of birth and origin, clinical characteristics, time of follow-up, time of unactivation of the injury, complications and visual final keenness. Results: From 99 patients (102 eyes), 55.56 %. The age group mainly damaged was from 21 to 30 years old (31.31 %). 96.97 % showed unilateral injury. The most frequent location: peripheral (61.90 %).The most frequent complication: cataract (8.82 %). 7.07 % were HIV (+), without differences in the clinical presentation regarding the other patients. Conclusions: The predominance of the ocular Toxoplasmosis was 14.02 %, lower than the world reports (22.5 %).The clinical - epidemiologic presentation was similar to that described in the documentation, where the unilateral ocular condition and the peripheral location of the retinal injury affected to those born inside the country (Lima-Callao), in the third decade of the life. (AU)

Evaluation of seroepidemiological toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients in the south of Brazil / Avaliação soroepidemiológica de toxoplasmose em pacientes HIV/SIDA no sul do Brasil

Toxoplasmosis is considered one of the opportunistic infections for individuals with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of neurotoxoplasmosis, ocular toxoplasmosis and antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-positive patients attending the SAE (Specialized Assistance Service for HIV/AIDS), as well as to associate their serological profile with epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 250 patients participated in the study from December, 2009 to November, 2010. Serological analysis was performed using the indirect immunofluorescent technique; epidemiological data were gathered by a questionnaire, and clinical history was based on the analysis of medical charts. Prevalence of seropositivity was 80%, with history of neurotoxoplasmosis in 4.8% and of ocular toxoplasmosis in 1.6% of the patients. The Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) was not used by 32% of the patients, 18.4% of the patients had CD4+ T- lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm³ and 96.8% of them were not aware of the modes of disease transmission. These findings led us to conclude that the study population is at high risk of clinical toxoplasmosis, because of both reactivation of infection in the seropositive patients who do not make a regular use of HAART, and primo-infection in seronegative patients worsened by an unawareness of the modes of infection reported in this study.

A toxoplasmose é considerada uma das infecções oportunistas em indivíduos com a Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA), constituindo importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade. Este trabalho objetivou conhecer a prevalência de neurotoxoplasmose, toxoplasmose ocular e de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii, em pacientes HIV positivos em atendimento no SAE (Serviço de Assistência Especializada em HIV/AIDS) além de correlacionar seu perfil sorológico com dados epidemiológicos e clínicos. Foram analisados 250 pacientes no período de dezembro de 2009 a novembro de 2010. A análise sorológica foi realizada pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta, os dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos pela aplicação de um questionário e o histórico clínico, pela análise dos prontuários. A prevalência de soropositividade foi de 80%, com histórico de neurotoxoplasmose em 4,8% e de toxoplasmose ocular em 1,6%. Observou-se que 32% dos pacientes não faziam uso regular de HAART, 18,4% apresentaram contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ inferior a 200 céls/mm³ e 96,8% desconheciam os modos de transmissão da doença. Conclui-se que o risco de toxoplasmose clínica grave é alto na população estudada, tanto por reativação da infecção nos soropositivos que não fazem uso regular do HAART, quanto por primoinfecção dos soronegativos, agravado pela desinformação sobre as formas de infecção constatada na pesquisa.

Participação dos polimorfismos em genes que codificam TLRs, citocinas e NOS2 com a susceptibilidade à toxoplasmose ocular / Involvement of polymorphisms in genes encoding TLRs, cytokines and NOS2 with susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis

A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose com distribuição mundial e prevalência que pode variar de 15 a 85%. Na maioria dos casos a infecção é assintomática. A toxoplasmose ocular pode ocasionar perdas visuais relacionadas à uveites. A resposta imune do hospedeiro tem um papel determinante no curso da infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii e na evolução da doença onde, estão envolvidas citocinas como IL-12, IFN-gama, TNF-alfa, TGF-beta, além da expressão de radicais de óxido nítrico (NO). Modificações no padrão destes fatores regulatórios da resposta imune podem acarretar no desequilíbrio da relação parasito-hospedeiro. Variações alélicas em regiões regulatórias de genes que codificam citocinas têm sido demonstradas afetando os níveis de expressão de algumas citocinas podendo assim influenciar no curso de infecções. Polimorfismos em genes que codificam citocinas têm sido associados com a susceptibilidade ou resistência a doenças infecciosas e parasitárias. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam IL-10 (-592C/A, -819C/T e -1082G/A), TNFA (-238G/A e -308G/A), NOS2A (-954G/C) E TLR4 (Asp299 Gly e Thr399lle) em indivíduos com toxoplasmose ocular e em indivíduos sororreagentes para a infeção por T. gondii sem lesão ocular com a finalidade de tentar correlacioná-los com o desenvolvimento da lesão ocular toxoplasmica. A casuística incluída nesta proposta foi oriunda de uma população rural do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram incluídos no estudo 34 indivíduos com lesão ocular (grupo ocular) e 134 indivíduos no grupo controle. Não foi observada diferença estatística significativa na distribuição genotípica e na frequência alélica ou haplotípica nos polimorfismos estudados. A média dos níveis séricos de nitrito e óxido nítrico foi similar entre os grupos ocular e controle, bem como quando separados pelos genótipos de NOS2A -954G/C. Desta forma, não evidenciamos na população estudada associações entre estes polimorfismos e a suscetibilidade à toxoplasmose ocular.

Comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de la toxoplasmosis ocular / Clinical-epidemiological behavior of ocular toxoplasmosis

OBJETIVO: Determinar aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis ocular, que asistieron a la consulta de oftalmología del Policlínico de Guanajay, durante el año 2008. MÉTODOS: Fue realizado un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo, donde se analizaron las variables edad, sexo, presencia de animales domésticos, hábitos alimentarios, signos y síntomas, número de lesiones, localización, actividad, ojo afectado y complicaciones. Fueron atendidos 11 pacientes en consulta con el diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis ocular. RESULTADOS: Predominaron las edades comprendidas entre 30 y 44 años, con 36,3 por ciento. Tenían animales domésticos el 72,2 por ciento de los pacientes y el 81,8 por ciento presentaban hábitos no adecuados de alimentación. Predominó la visión borrosa (72,7 por ciento). La retinocoroiditis se presentó en el 72,7 por ciento de los pacientes. De ellos, 54,5 por ciento tenían un daño severo. Predominaron las lesiones inactivas con 72,7 por ciento y las lesiones únicas (90,9 por ciento). El 45,4 por ciento tuvo una localización macular y el 36,3 por ciento perimacular. Las complicaciones que se presentaron fueron el déficit visual y la catarata. CONCLUSIÓN: La toxoplasmosis ocular predomina en el sexo masculino y es más frecuente en regiones de bajas condiciones de salud pública e inadecuados hábitos alimenticios. Dentro de los factores de riesgo se encuentra la presencia de animales domésticos, sobre todo los felinos. La visión borrosa y la retinocoroiditis son referidos por los pacientes. Generalmente cursa con algún grado de afectación visual, y es severa en el mayor número de los pacientes. Las lesiones inactivas, únicas y con localización macular, y el déficit visual y la catarata son complicaciones predominantes en estos casos

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical-epidemiological features in patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis seen in the Ophthalmology consultation of the Guanajay municipality polyclinic during 2008. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study was conducted to analyze the following variables: age, sex, and presence of domestic animals, food habits, signs and symptoms, number of lesions, location, activity, involved eye and complications. In consultation 11 patients were seen diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis. RESULTS: There was predominance of ages between 30 and 44 years for a 36.3 percent. The 71.2 percent of patients had domestic animals and the 81.8 percent had no appropriate feeding habits. Also, there was predominance of blurred vision (72.7 percent). Retinochoroiditis was present in the 72.7 percent of patients. From them, the 54.5 percent had a severe damage. There were many inactive lesions with a 72.7 percent and unique lesions (90.9 percent) The 45.4 percent had a macular location and the 36.3 percent a perimacular one. Complications present were a visual deficit and cataract. CONCLUSION: Ocular toxoplasmosis is more predominant in male sex and is more frequent in regions with poor conditions of public health and inappropriate food habits. Included in factors is the presence of domestic animals, mainly the cats. The blurred vision and retinochoroiditis are referred by patients. In general, it has some degree of visual involvement and it is severe in most of patients. The unique inactive lesions and with macular location as well as the visual deficit and cataract are complications predominant in these cases

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

Frequência de lesões sugestivas de toxoplasmose ocular em uma população rural do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Frequency of lesions suggestive of ocular toxoplasmosis among a rural population in the State of Rio de Janeiro

Para determinar a prevalência da toxoplasmose ocular na população em geral do bairro de Santa Rita de Cássia, Barra Mansa, RJ, foi realizado um estudo seccional no qual 1.071 indivíduos foram submetidos a testes sorológicos (IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma) e a exame físico e oftalmológico. O diagnóstico da toxoplasmose ocular presumida foi baseado em critérios clínicos, sorológicos e aspecto da lesão retinocoroidiana. As lesões foram classificadas em três tipos morfológicos: 1. Limites marcados com halo de hiperpigmentação e área de atrofia coriorretiniana central. 2. Halo hipopigmentado e área central hiperpigmentada e 3. Hiperpigmentadas ou hipopigmentadas. A prevalência de lesões cicatrizadas compatíveis com toxoplasmose ocular foi de 3,8 por cento na população em geral e 5,8 por cento entre os indivíduos com sorologia positiva para Toxoplasma gondii (65,9 por cento dos indivíduos analisados), com predominância de: lesões do tipo 1 (41,5 por cento), sexo feminino (68,3 por cento), periféricas (58,5 por cento) e menores que 3 diâmetros de disco (87,8 por cento).

To determine the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis among the general population of the district of Santa Rita de Cassia, Barra Mansa, State of Rio de Janeiro, a cross-sectional study on 1,071 individuals was performed. These subjects underwent serological tests (anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM) and physical and ophthalmological examinations. The diagnosis of presumed ocular toxoplasmosis was based on clinical and serological criteria and the appearance of the retinochoroidal lesion. The lesions were classified into three morphological types: 1. Limits marked with a halo of hyperpigmentation and an area of central chorioretinal atrophy; 2. Hypopigmented halo and hyperpigmented central area; and 3. Hyperpigmented or hypopigmented. The prevalence of healed lesions compatible with ocular toxoplasmosis was 3.8 percent among the general population and 5.8 percent among individuals who were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii (65.9 percent of the individuals evaluated). Type-1 lesions (41.5 percent), female sex (68.3 percent), peripheral lesions (58.5 percent) and lesions smaller than three disc diameters predominated.

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.

Contributions to the history of ocular toxoplasmosis in Southern Brazil

The evolution of knowledge regarding ocular toxoplasmosis over the last 30 years is described based on studies and observations performed in Southern Brazil. The isolation ofToxoplasma gondii established the definitive diagnosis of the disease. It was proven that in most cases, the disease was acquired after birth, a concept supported by the description of numerous familial cases and observation of the disease many years after primary infection. Epidemiological studies showed important regional variations in the prevalence of the disease due to different factors, including the types of strains involved, of which type I predominates. The large number of patients also enabled detailed study of the different forms of clinical presentation of the disease and its complications. New parameters have been established for the use of steroids and the management of pregnant women with active lesions. Studies on the epidemiology of toxoplasmic infection in pregnant women and newborns showed a high prevalence of infection. The different factors of exposure to infection have also been studied. Gradually, preventive actions have been developed in the sphere of public health, although they have not been sufficiently effective. Trends for future research over the next few years are also outlined.

Outbreak of ocular toxoplasmosis in Coimbatore, India.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects up to a third of the world's population. Infection is mainly acquired by ingestion of food that is contaminated with oocysts. We report an outbreak of ocular toxoplasmosis, which is an acute acquired type rather than reactivation of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our preliminary investigation points to municipal water contamination. This outbreak only proves the need of an effective public health system and health education in curtailing any outbreak.

Prevalência da Toxoplasmose Ocular presumida em uma população rural, no bairro de Santa Rita de Cássia, Município de Barra Mansa, RJ / Prevalence of the ocular toxoplasmosis presumed in an agricultural population, in the neighborhood of Santa Rita de Cassia in the town of Barra Mansa, RJ

O T. gondii é o agente etiológico mais frequente das uveítes posteriores no Brasil e no mundo, entretanto, os estudos sobre a prevalência da toxoplasmose ocular na população geral são escassos. Nenhum trabalho neste sentido foi encontrado na literatura no que concerne à região sul do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Com o objetivo de determinar a prevalência de formas oculares da toxoplasmose no bairro de Santa Rita de Cássia, Barra Mansa - RJ foi realizado um estudo seccional em 1071 indivíduos de uma população estimada em 1300 habitantes. Todos responderam a um questionário epidemiológico, foram submetidos a testes sorológicos específicos para dosagem de IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma, e também a exame físico e oftalmológico na busca de evidências da infecção pelo T. gondii. O diagnóstico de toxoplasmose ocular presumida foi feito baseado em critérios clínicos (aspecto da lesão retinocoroidiana à oftalmoscopia indireta sob midríase) e sorológicos; e as lesões foram classificadas em três tipos morfológicos (tipo 1-Limites bem marcados com halo de hiperpigmentação e área de atrofia coriorretiniana central, tipo 2- Lesões com halo hipopigmentado e área central hiperpigmentada e tipo 3- Lesões hiperpigmentadas ou hipopigmentadas compatíveis com hiperplasia ou atrofia do epitélio pigmentar retiniano). A soroprevalência de IgG anti-Toxoplasma foi de 65,92por cento e nenhum caso apresentou IgM reagente. Foram encontrados 41 pacientes com lesões compatíveis com toxoplasmose ocular presumida na face cicatricial, o que corresponde a uma prevalência de 3,83 por cento na população geral e de 5,81 por cento entre os soropositivos. Entre estes pacientes foi encontrada uma predominância de indivíduos do sexo feminino (68,29 por cento) com lesões do tipo 1 (41,46 por cento), periféricas (58,54 por cento) e menores que 3 diâmetros de disco (87,80 por cento). Embora tenha sido encontrada uma alta prevalência de casos de retinocoroidite toxoplasmática presumida em...estudada.

Toxoplasma infection in selected patients in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infections in 272 patients with ocular diseases (uveitis, retinochoroiditis), malignancy (including leukemia), women with bad obstetric history (BOH) and others (patients with fever, lymphadenitis and encephalitis) have been was studied. Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by microlatex agglutination and IgM ELISA techniques. Overall, 50.7% (138/272) patients included in this study had Toxoplasma antibodies, out of which 5.7% (8/138) had IgM antibodies. Patients with malignancy had highest positive rate [68.7% (22/32)] followed by group of others. Of the different groups, women with BOH had highest Toxoplasma IgM positive rate [25.0%; (2/8)].

Clinical manifestations of ocular toxoplasmosis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: a clinical review of 173 cases.

Toxoplasmosis was the most common cause of primary retinochoroiditis. The majority of cases of ocular toxoplasmosis were congenital. However, cases of acquired ocular toxoplasmosis have been reported. The clinical manifestations of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis were choroidal coloboma, strabismus, nystagmus, ptosis, microphthalmia, cataract and enophthalmia. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical presentation and visual outcome of 173 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis at Dr Sardjito Hospital, Dr Yap Eye Hospital, and private practice during the last six years. A total of 173 subjects were studied--98 males and 75 females. The ages at which first diagnosis was established ranged from 3 months to 68 years, frequently in young adults and occurring mostly in students. The most-reported chief complaint was blurred vision in 70.5% and floaters in 6.1% of cases. The most frequent clinical manifestations were chorioretinitis (71.2%), macular scars (22.4%), squint (6.4%), congenital cataract (2.8%), nystagmus (6.4%) and atrophic optic papilla (2.8%). Bilateral involvement was found in 32.4% of all patients. The therapeutic outcome showed improvement, especially visual acuity in acute cases (25.6%). However, visual acuity categorized as blindness was 13.9%. The results of the study imply that suddenly blurred vision in the quiet eye in the young adult, squint, and nystagmus in children could be chorioretinal inflammation and scar caused by Toxoplasma gondii.

Soroepidemiologia da toxoplasmose e avaliaçäo ocular pela Tela de Amsler, em pacientes da zona rural, atendidos na unidade de saúde do município de Jaguapitä, PR, Brasil / Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis and ocular evaluation by Amsler Grid in patients from the rural area treated at the Jaguapitä county health center, Paraná State, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a soroepidemiologia do T. gondii e relato de problemas oculares em pacientes da zona rural que procuraram a unidade de saúde de Jaguapitä, Paraná. Soros de 82 pacientes foram submetidos a reaçäo de Imunofluorescência Indireta, para detectar a presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii da classe IgG, sendo a soropositividade considerada para diluiçöes >/= 1:16. Problemas oculares foram avaliados através da Tela de Amsler. Dos 82 soros avaliados 68 (82,9 por cento) foram sororeagentes a toxoplasmose e 14 (17,1 por cento) näo reagentes. Os títulos mais freqüentes foram de 64 (23/33,8 por cento) e 256 (16/23,5 por cento), e os maiores títulos foram de 4096 (8/11,8 por cento). O teste da Tela de Amsler revelou 22 (26,8 por cento) pacientes que relataram algum tipo de alteraçäo, sendo que o sexo masculino foi um fator de proteçäo em relaçäo ao sexo feminino (OR = 0,21 0,04 < OR < 0,86 X² = 4,98 p = 0,02). No presente estudo os fatores de risco avaliados pelo inquérito sócio cultural e epidemiológico näo revelaram diferenças estatísticas significativas. Através do presente trabalho observou-se que o T. gondii encontra-se amplamente distribuído na populaçäo estudada

Seroepidemiology of ocular toxoplasmosis-profile of an urban population.

200 uveitis cases and 100 controls were serologically analysed for Toxoplasma antibodies (Ab) using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT-IgG, Igm) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA IgG, IgM). Ophthalmologically cases were segregated into 4 groups anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, pan uveitis and varied presentation uveitis. Toxoplasma seropositivity of 32% in cases and 4% in controls was established. IHA, IFAT, ELISA detected 20%, 18% and 32% cases as seropositive respectively, IFAT being most specific (100%) and ELISA most sensitive (41.37%). Insignificant change in Ab titre was observed in sequential samples of seropositive cases. Posterior Uveitis cases had the maximum seropositivity (41.7%). Highest seropositivity was in 16-25 years age group with no sex preponderance. Dietary habits and occupational history had no bearing on Toxoplasma infection. Results indicate that serology in mandatory for diagnosing Toxoplasma as a cause of uveitis, 2 or more tests on a single serum sample detecting IgG and Igm Ab are the best indicators of infection.