Immunology of ocular toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii, due to its ability to escape and modify the normal immune response, is able to survive within the retina indefinitely with the production of an occasional acute inflammatory response. The cellular immune system is mainly responsible for limiting infection. Diagnosis is based on clinical features coupled with measurements of antibody response (systemic and ocular) and cell mediated immunity. The treatment of toxoplasma chorioretinitis when indicated should be specific and immunosuppressive agents should only be used in conjunction with antibiotics to avoid dissemination of the organism.