Bilateral ocular toxoplasmosis in a returning traveller: age and route of infection as potential risk factors

Abstract

We report the case of a 69-year-old man, who presented in the UK with a short history of deteriorating vision and clinical features of bilateral atypical retinochoroiditis, after travelling to South America. Vitreous samples demonstrated Toxoplasma gondii DNA by PCR. Serology tests demonstrated recent acquired Toxoplasma gondii infection with IgM antibodies. He responded well to treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin and oral steroids.This case is a reminder of the global importance of Toxoplasma related eye disease, and its uncommon bilateral severe presentation in a returning traveller, where the risk factors were age and the route of infection likely to be a virulent parasite oocyst from vegetables or water rather than undercooked meat or direct contact with cats.

Pediatric hypereosinophilia and toxoplasma

“…Although rare, severe eosinophilia may be noted at the presentation of acquired toxoplasmosis. A combination of azithromycin and cotrimoxazole is an effective therapy for the treatment of toxoplasmosis,[ 12 13 ] which may be used by primary care physicians for the treatment of acquired toxoplasmosis in case of nonavailability of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine.…”