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Ocular Toxoplasmosis after Exposure to Wild Game
Christopher D Conrady1, Cagri G Besirli1, Caroline R Baumal2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Exposure to wild game can cause toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in adults. Hunters and consumers of undercooked game meat are at risk for this serious ocular disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis is an ocular manifestation of toxoplasmosis.
- Ocular toxoplasmosis can lead to significant vision impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis following exposure to wild game.
- To identify risk factors and clinical characteristics of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multicenter case series.
- Analysis of eight patients with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis linked to wild game exposure.
Main Results:
- Eight men (mean age 56 years) developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis after hunting/consuming wild game (deer, bear).
- Five patients contracted the disease from undercooked game meat; three from handling hunted animals.
- Visual acuity improved significantly from presentation to follow-up, but complications, including recurrence, occurred in 62.5% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Contact with wild game is a potential source of ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent adults.
- Hunters and consumers of rare game are at risk.
- Precautions like proper cooking and handling can mitigate risks.
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