Detection And Treatment Of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Ocular toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is a very common infection that affects about 500 million people worldwide. However, not all infected people develop this pathology that only affects the eyes. In this article, we will discuss the detection and treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.

People with symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis either have a weakened immune system or have acquired the infection before birth in the mother’s womb. Unfortunately, the condition is often difficult to detect and progresses to blurred vision and even blindness.

What is ocular toxoplasmosis?

This is just one form of contamination. Most people become infected because Toxoplasma is often present in foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and even water. As you can see, anyone can get the infection when they ingest a contaminated product that is not thermally prepared.

Also, pregnant women who come in contact with toxoplasma can transmit the parasite to their baby, because the bacteria can cross the placenta and reach the fetus.

In fact, the latter case is most commonly associated with ocular toxoplasmosis. The severity of the fetal damage depends on the stage of pregnancy in which the contamination takes place. For example, the first trimester is associated with the highest risk of malformations and complications.

CAUSE

As the infection reactivates,

A study by an Ophthalmology Society states that recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common type of this condition. However, the disease can also occur in tandem with AIDS or with continuous treatment with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Detection of ocular toxoplasmosis

For example, serology, which allows us to see if there are antibodies against that infection, only indicates if at some point the person in question had the infection. But, as I mentioned earlier, there are many people who have become infected but have not developed ocular toxoplasmosis.

What the ophthalmologist observes directly is a focal lesion of the retina with a scar that also affects the choroid – another membrane that is part of the eye.

Laboratory tests can help guide the diagnosis, but they cannot confirm it. Therefore, it is important for the specialist to perform a thorough eye examination so as not to miss the almost invisible signs.

Treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis

Therapy helps prevent further retinal damage as well as subsequent recurrences. Prevents the parasite from growing and spreading. The drugs used are antiparasitic, such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.

In addition, doctors also prescribe methylprednisone, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation. Similarly, they also prescribe folic acid supplements to avoid the side effects of pyrimethamine.

Damage prevention

Lastly, remember to consult a doctor if you notice any typical symptoms. Finding lesions quickly can help prevent the spread of eye problems.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the detection and treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis!