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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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Published on: December 9, 2014

Eye manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis

M B Mets1, E Holfels, K M Boyer

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause significant vision loss due to retinal damage, even with treatment. Early intervention with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine helps control active lesions and prevent further vision impairment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, can lead to ocular complications.
  • The long-term effects on vision and the natural history of the disease require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the natural history of congenital toxoplasmosis in treated and untreated patients.
  • To assess the impact of congenital toxoplasmosis on vision and visual acuity.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, longitudinal study involving 76 newborns treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.
  • Inclusion of 18 historical patients not treated in their first year of life for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Chorioretinal scars, particularly in the periphery, were common eye findings.
  • Macular scars were prevalent, affecting visual acuity and leading to bilateral visual impairment in 29% of treated patients.
  • Recurrences of active lesions were observed in both treated and untreated groups, with new lesions appearing in previously unaffected retinas.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis often results in significant retinal damage and vision loss at birth.
  • Treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine can render active lesions quiescent.
  • Despite substantial retinal damage, vision can remain remarkably good in some cases, even with large macular scars.
Abstract

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