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Ocular toxoplasmosis in pregnancy
Leila I Kump1, Sofia N Androudi, C S Foster
1Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. drkump@hotmail.com
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|September 27, 2005
Summary
Pregnancy can trigger ocular toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis) recurrence. Aggressive treatment was often ineffective, but infant delivery aided recovery in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Ocular toxoplasmosis, an infection of the eye caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, can affect pregnant women.
- The course and management of ocular toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A retrospective case series of four pregnant women with ocular toxoplasmosis was analyzed.
- All participants presented with severe, treatment-resistant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy.
Findings:
- Despite aggressive therapies, three patients experienced decreased visual acuity.
- Infant delivery appeared to contribute to clinical improvement in two of the four patients.
Implications:
- The pregnant state may be a risk factor for ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for pregnant women with ocular toxoplasmosis.