Toxoplasma Chorioretinitis in Adults

Wilder, Helenor Campbell

doi:10.1001/archopht.1952.00920010132001

Cited by 189 publications

(50 citation statements)

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“…Retinochoroiditis caused by T. gondii infection is a frequent cause of uveitis, an intraocular inflammatory disease of the eye in humans [1][2][3][4][5]. The hallmark of toxoplasma-induced retinochoroiditis is the recurrent episodes of reactivation and localized inflammatory responses to these episodes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Transforming growth factor-β expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells is enhanced by Toxoplasma gondii: a possible role in the immunopathogenesis of retinochoroiditis

Nagineni

Detrick

Hooks

2002

Clinical and Experimental Immunology

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SUMMARYRetinochoroiditis caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection results in inflammation and necrosis of the retina. We have used human retinal pigment epithelial cultures (HRPE) as an in vitro model to investigate the role of TGF-b in T. gondii-induced retinochoroiditis. RT-PCR analyses showed enhanced steady state levels of TGF-b1 and TGF-b2 mRNA in T. gondii-infected HRPE. Uninfected HRPE secrete TGF-b1 in a latent form while 10-30% of the secreted TGF-b2 was in the active form. T. gondii infection induced a significant increase (P < 0·01) in total TGF-b1 and TGF-b2 secretion by HRPE. In addition, soluble extracts of T. gondii (ST) stimulated secretion of both TGF-b1 and TGF-b2 significantly (P < 0·01). Interestingly, T. gondii infection as well as ST of the parasites completely inhibited secretion of the active form of TGF-b2. Studies evaluating the effect of TGF-b on T. gondii replication in HRPE revealed that TGF-b enhanced parasite replication. The interactions between host retinal cells and T. gondii may play an active role in the pathogenesis of retinochoroiditis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ocular toxoplasmosis results in inflammation and disorganization of the retina and is one of the common causes of uveitis, an intraocular inflammatory disease [1][2][3][4][5]. The intensity of the damage to the retina and choroid depends on the severity of infection and the associated inflammatory reaction [3][4][5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transforming growth factor-β expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells is enhanced by Toxoplasma gondii: a possible role in the immunopathogenesis of retinochoroiditis

Nagineni

Detrick

Hooks

2002

Clinical and Experimental Immunology

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“…Since the early 1950s, infection with T. gondii has also been recognised as an important cause of retinochoroiditis [71]. However, ocular toxoplasmosis has long been regarded as a result of a prenatal infection with T. gondii, which manifests later in life [70,72,73].…”

Section: Postnatally Acquired Toxoplasmosis In Immunocompetent Humansmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxoplasma gondii: from animals to humans

Tenter

Heckeroth

Weiss

2000

International Journal for Parasitology

2,982

2,476

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Toxoplasmosis is one of the more common parasitic zoonoses world-wide. Its causative agent, Toxoplasma gondii, is a facultatively heteroxenous, polyxenous protozoon that has developed several potential routes of transmission within and between different host species. If first contracted during pregnancy, T. gondii may be transmitted vertically by tachyzoites that are passed to the foetus via the placenta. Horizontal transmission of T. gondii may involve three lifecycle stages, i.e. ingesting infectious oocysts from the environment or ingesting tissue cysts or tachyzoites which are contained in meat or primary offal (viscera) of many different animals. Transmission may also occur via tachyzoites contained in blood products, tissue transplants, or unpasteurised milk. However, it is not known which of these routes is more important epidemiologically. In the past, the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, in particular of pigs and sheep, has been regarded as a major route of transmission to humans. However, recent studies showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in meat-producing animals decreased considerably over the past 20 years in areas with intensive farm management. For example, in several countries of the European Union prevalences of T. gondii in fattening pigs are now <1%. Considering these data it is unlikely that pork is still a major source of infection for humans in these countries. However, it is likely that the major routes of transmission are different in human populations with differences in culture and eating habits. In the Americas, recent outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis in humans have been associated with oocyst contamination of the environment. Therefore, future epidemiological studies on T. gondii infections should consider the role of oocysts as potential sources of infection for humans, and methods to monitor these are currently being developed. This review presents recent epidemiological data on T. gondii, hypotheses on the major routes of transmission to humans in different populations, and preventive measures that may reduce the risk of contracting a primary infection during pregnancy.

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“…Within the necrotic retina, cysts of Toxoplasma gondii can be found. 1 Yet, direct confirmation by demonstrating organisms in ocular samples is extremely difficult. 2 Its diagnosis is usually clinical, confirmed by presence of anti-toxoplasma antibodies.…”

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confidence: 99%