Clinical feature and treatment outcome of active ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients

Abstract

Objective To investigate clinical features, ocular findings, management and follow-up data in a series of immunocompetent patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods A prospective study of 25 immunocompetent patients with first attack of active ocular toxoplasmosis. Age, gender, clinical presentation and ophthalmic examination finding were recorded. The diagnosis was based on typical finding in ophthalmic examination. Systemic antimicrobials and corticosteroids were given to all patients. The treatment outcome and side-effects of drugs were observed. Results Thirteen (52%) patients were male and 12 (48%) were female. The mean±SD age at presentation was (26.8±11.1) years. Eye involvement was unilateral in 92% of patients and bilateral only in 8%. Lesions were located at the peripheral retina in 48%, at the macula retina in 28%, and at the macula and peripheral retina in 24% of the patients. The most common presenting symptom was blurred vision (96%), followed by eye pain (28%). All patients received antimicrobials treatment. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 48% of the patients. Clinical response were observed in 44% 2 weeks before and in 56% 2 weeks after. Vision was improved with treatment except in two cases. No recurrences occurred during one year follow up. Conclusions Our study shows that active ocular toxoplasmosis has no gender predilection and affects young individuals. Unilateral involvement is more common in our study. Response to treatment is good in patients and no recurrences occur during one year follow-up. It may have implications in favor of treatment of active ocular toxoplasmosis.