Ocular toxoplasmosis: an update and review of the literature

Use of CD25 as an immunohistochemical marker for acquired ocular toxoplasmosis

“…The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis is mainly clinical (3,22) . The presence of anti T. gondii IgG antibodies does not confirm the toxoplasmic etiology, but a negative IgG generally discards the possibility (3) . IgG antibodies are detectable for the life of the individual and there is a high prevalence of such antibodies in the general population.…”

“…On the other hand, IgM antibodies may be detectable for many years in certain patients (22)(23)(24)(25) . Pathological diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis can be established by chorioretinal biopsies or diagnostic enucleation (3,26) . The toxoplasma cysts are identified with haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry using polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies (3,27) , or by PCR (17) .…”

“…Pathological diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis can be established by chorioretinal biopsies or diagnostic enucleation (3,26) . The toxoplasma cysts are identified with haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry using polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies (3,27) , or by PCR (17) . Histologically, ocular toxoplasmosis often presents extensive granulomatous inflammatory infiltration of the choroid and areas of necrosis under the retinal pigment epithelium (3,26) .…”

“…The toxoplasma cysts are identified with haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry using polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies (3,27) , or by PCR (17) . Histologically, ocular toxoplasmosis often presents extensive granulomatous inflammatory infiltration of the choroid and areas of necrosis under the retinal pigment epithelium (3,26) . Furthermore, the parasite's DNA can be identified in vitreous and humour samples using PCR (21,28) .…”

“…Infections may be acquired congenitally or through the ingestion or handling of undercooked or raw infected meat, contaminated vegetables or water (1)(2)(3) . The disease is asymptomatic in many immunocompetent hosts, however ocular lesions may be present in up to 20% of infected individuals (1) .…”