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Yamada K, Tazaki A, Ushio-Watanabe N, Usui Y, Takeda A, Matsunaga M, Suzumura A, Shimizu H, Zheng H, Ariefta NR, Yamamoto M, Hara H, Goto H, Sonoda KH, Nishiguchi KM, Kato M, Nishikawa Y, Toyokuni S, Kaneko H. Retinal ferroptosis as a critical mechanism for the induction of retinochoroiditis during ocular toxoplasmosis. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102890. [PMID: 37738924 PMCID: PMC10519826 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major infectious disease, affecting approximately one-third of the world's population; its main clinical manifestation, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), is a severe sight-threatening disease. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of OT is based on clinical findings, which needs improvement, even with biochemical tests, such as polymerase chain reaction and antibody detections. Furthermore, the efficacy of OT-targeted treatment is limited; thus, additional measures for diagnosis and treatments are needed. Here, we for the first time report a significantly reduced iron concentration in the vitreous humor (VH) of human patients infected with OT. To obtain further insights into molecular mechanisms, we established a mouse model of T. gondii infection, in which intravitreally injected tracer 57Fe, was accumulated in the neurosensory retina. T. gondii-infected eyes showed increased lipid peroxidation, reduction of glutathione peroxidase-4 expression and mitochondrial deformity in the photoreceptor as cristae loss. These findings strongly suggest the involvement of ferroptotic process in the photoreceptor of OT. In addition, deferiprone, an FDA-approved iron chelator, reduced the iron uptake but also ameliorated toxoplasma-induced retinochoroiditis by reducing retinal inflammation. In conclusion, the iron levels in the VH could serve as diagnostic markers and iron chelators as potential treatments for OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhisa Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Akira Tazaki
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Nanako Ushio-Watanabe
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiko Usui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan.
| | - Atsunobu Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Matsunaga
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Ayana Suzumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Nanang R Ariefta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Goto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan.
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Masashi Kato
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Shinya Toyokuni
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Center for Low-Temperature Plasma Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
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Goh EJH, Putera I, La Distia Nora R, Mahendradas P, Biswas J, Chee SP, Testi I, Pavesio CE, Curi ALL, Vasconcelos-Santos DV, Arora A, Gupta V, de-la-Torre A, Agrawal R. Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1342-1361. [PMID: 36095008 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2117705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of posterior uveitis worldwide, affecting individuals acrossdifferent age groups. The key to reducing vision loss includes prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, despite the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis, there has been little consensus regarding its pathophysiology,clinical features, diagnosis, and especially management. METHODS The data sources were literature reviews, including Pub Med and Medline databases. Search terms included toxoplasmosis, retinitis, vasculitis, vitritis, uveitis alone or in combination with, serum, aqueous, vitreous eye, ocular and review. RESULTS In this review paper, we have sought to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical features of the disease, both based on current literature and our own clinical experience. We have also discussed the use of serology, ocular fluid, and ophthalmic investigations that could further facilitate the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis.Different management strategies have been reported worldwide, including newer approaches such as local therapy. CONCLUSION A better understanding of critical aspects of ocular toxoplasmosis will hopefully lead to reduced morbidity, including blindness associated with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Jin Hui Goh
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ikhwanuliman Putera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Kirana Eye Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rina La Distia Nora
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Kirana Eye Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Soon-Phaik Chee
- Department of Ocular Inflammation and Immunology, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), NeuroVitae Center, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ilaria Testi
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Andre Luiz Land Curi
- Infectious Ophthalmology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Vitor Vasconcelos-Santos
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia e Laboratório de Ciências Visuais, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Hospital São Geraldo, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Atul Arora
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vishali Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), NeuroVitae Center, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore
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Zafar A, Khan MK, Abbas RZ, Saqib M, Javed H. Molecular evidence of toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV in Pakistan. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:346-352. [PMID: 36708244 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231152791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotically important parasite infecting almost all vertebrates. The parasite can easily infect humans through the fecal-oral route, particularly immunocompromised individuals, and children. Due to lack of epidemiological data regarding the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in people living with HIV in Pakistan, the present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in people living with HIV. METHODS Briefly, 384 blood samples were randomly collected from people living with HIV registered under Punjab AIDS Control Program. DNA of all samples was extracted and the 18S rRNA gene of T. gondii was amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by using genus-specific primers. The amplicons were spread on 1.5% agar rose gel and visualized under gel documentation system. Then the amplicons were purified from the gel and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Overall prevalence of T. gondii was observed as 23.96%. The prevalence of T. gondii was significantly (p <0.05) higher in females and in middle age group (26-40 years). Similarly, the prevalence was significantly (p <0.05) higher in people with poor socioeconomic status, symptomatic patients, drugs users and people using unfiltered water for drinking. Furthermore, bodyweight (46-70 kg) and dry seasons also significantly (p <0.05) affected the prevalence of T. gondii. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrated a high infection rate of toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV which could be a significant cause of mortality. More studies need to be conducted for other opportunistic infections caused by parasites and other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Zafar
- Department of Parasitology, 66724University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kasib Khan
- Department of Parasitology, 66724University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rao Zahid Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, 66724University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 66724University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Hasnain Javed
- Provincial Public Health Reference Lab, 484008Punjab AIDS Control Program, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Fabiani S, Caroselli C, Menchini M, Gabbriellini G, Falcone M, Bruschi F. Ocular toxoplasmosis, an overview focusing on clinical aspects. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106180. [PMID: 34699742 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite infecting approximately one third of the world population. After proliferation of tachyzoites during the acute stage, the parasite forms tissue cysts in various anatomical sites and establishes chronic infection. Nowadays the nature of the interplay between the protozoan and its human host remains elusive. This is clearly evident in ocular toxoplasmosis, in which the parasite establishes an ambivalent relationship with the eye, manipulating the immune response and inducing variable initial lesions and further relapses. This review will focus on epidemiology and environmental, parasite and host related risk factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, treatment and prophylaxis approaches in ocular toxoplasmosis. An image collection of patients referred to the Unit of Ophthalmology of Pisa's Hospital will be presented, too.
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Álvarez-García V, Rubio-Romero L, Maldonado MA, Gómez-Suárez M, de-la-Torre A. Ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent adults: current cost-effectiveness of four treatment regimens in Colombia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08265. [PMID: 34778574 PMCID: PMC8577134 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. In South America, the clinical course of ocular toxoplasmosis is more severe than in Europe and North America because virulent strains of the parasite are present. Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of posterior uveitis and retinochoroiditis in Colombia, requiring timely and appropriate treatment. However, there is no standardized therapy protocol based on economic studies for the country. PURPOSE To compare the cost-effectiveness of four first-line treatment regimens for active ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent adults in Colombia, using the number of averted therapeutic failures as the outcome. METHODS We performed an economic and cost-effectiveness analysis to compare four first-line treatment regimens for ocular toxoplasmosis from the perspective of a third-party payer (Colombian General System of Social Security in Health). A decision analysis tree was used over a 24-week time horizon, considering only direct costs. Additionally, we performed a discrete sensitivity analysis and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 10,000 iterations in the Monte Carlo simulation. RESULTS For the base case, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole showed 86% effectiveness at a cost of <57 United States Dollars, resulting in the most cost-effective first-line alternative. When performing the probabilistic sensitivity analysis and maintaining the willingness to pay 466.00 United States Dollars, the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole regimen remained the most cost-effective alternative. CONCLUSION Ocular toxoplasmosis is a public health issue in Latin America. Despite severe visual consequences for affected patients, there are no standardized treatment guidelines in countries such as Colombia. Our evidence supports the use of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole as first-line treatment in Colombia because of its availability and optimal cost-effectiveness performance; it reduces recurrences and complications, while averting therapeutic failure. Furthermore, our evidence can be generalized to other Latin American countries with similar frequencies and severities of Toxoplasma gondii ocular infection and health systems similar to the Colombian system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Álvarez-García
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neuroscience Center (NeuroVitae), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
| | - Lorena Rubio-Romero
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neuroscience Center (NeuroVitae), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
| | - María Alejandra Maldonado
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neuroscience Center (NeuroVitae), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
| | - Marcela Gómez-Suárez
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Doctorado Interfacultades en Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Equidad en Salud, Colombia
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neuroscience Center (NeuroVitae), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
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Gao Y, Wang W, Lyu C, Wei XY, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Ran ZG, Xia YQ. Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Echinococcus in Sheep in China From 1983 to 2020. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:711332. [PMID: 34381740 PMCID: PMC8350519 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.711332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of cestode species that belong to the genus Echinococcus. The infection of hydatid in sheep is very common in China, especially in the northwestern China. Here, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis of echinococcosis in sheep in China. Six databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese Journal Database) were used to retrieve the literatures on echinococcosis in sheep in China from 1983 to 2020, and 74 studies. The random effects model was used in the “meta” package of the R software and the PFT was chosen for rate conversion. The research data were analyzed through subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression analysis to reveal the factors that lead to research heterogeneity. The combined prevalence of Echinococcus in the selected period was estimated to be 30.9% (192,094/826,406). In the analysis of sampling year, the lowest positive rate was 13.9% (10,296/177,318) after 2011. The highest prevalence of Echinococcus was 51.1% (278/531) in the southwestern China. The highest infection rate in sheep was 20.1% (58,344/597,815) in the liver. The analysis based on age showed that the infection rate of elderly sheep was significantly higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.05). We also evaluated the effects of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of Echinococcus in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence of Echinococcus was higher in high altitude, cold, humid, and high rainfall areas. It is necessary to carry out long-term monitoring and control of echinococcosis, cut off the infection route, and reduce the risk of infection in the high risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Research and Development Department, Chongqing Auleon Biological Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China.,College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Chuang Lyu
- Animal Health Center, Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China.,Animal Health Center, Qingdao Jiazhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
| | - Zhi-Guang Ran
- Research and Development Department, Chongqing Auleon Biological Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - You-Qing Xia
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Leal SM, Rodino KG, Fowler WC, Gilligan PH. Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Diagnosis of Ocular Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0007019. [PMID: 34076493 PMCID: PMC8262805 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00070-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety and complexity of ocular infections have increased significantly in the last decade since the publication of Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections (L. D. Gray, P. H. Gilligan, and W. C. Fowler, Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections, 2010). The purpose of this practical guidance document is to review, for individuals working in clinical microbiology laboratories, current tools used in the laboratory diagnosis of ocular infections. This document begins by describing the complex, delicate anatomy of the eye, which often leads to limitations in specimen quantity, requiring a close working bond between laboratorians and ophthalmologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic care. Descriptions are provided of common ocular infections in developed nations and neglected ocular infections seen in developing nations. Subsequently, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic aspects of laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are explored in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixto M. Leal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kyle G. Rodino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W. Craig Fowler
- Department of Surgery, Campbell University School of Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter H. Gilligan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Gómez-Marín JE, Muñoz-Ortiz J, Mejía-Oquendo M, Arteaga-Rivera JY, Rivera-Valdivia N, Bohórquez-Granados MC, Velasco-Velásquez S, Castaño-de-la-Torre G, Acosta-Dávila JA, García-López LL, Torres-Morales E, Vargas M, Valencia JD, Celis-Giraldo D, de-la-Torre A. High frequency of ocular toxoplasmosis in Quindío, Colombia and risk factors related to the infection. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06659. [PMID: 33898813 PMCID: PMC8056222 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of retinochoroidal lesions by ocular toxoplasmosis and their relationships with risk factors, in residents of two districts with high exposure to Toxoplasma, in Armenia-Quindío, Colombia. METHODS Cross-sectional analyses of fundoscopy screening, serological tests, and questionnaires were performed to determine risk factors associated with ocular toxoplasmosis retinochoroidal lesions. Differences in proportions were analyzed using the chi-squared test. RESULTS Of 161 individuals examined, 17 (10.5%) exhibited retinochoroidal scars suggestive of old inactive Toxoplasma gondii infection. All 17 individuals were seropositive for T. gondii antibodies. Consumption of bottled water was protective against T. gondii infection among individuals in this study. There were no specific epidemiological risk factors associated with ocular toxoplasmosis retinochoroidal lesions. CONCLUSION Ocular toxoplasmosis is an important cause of visual impairment in Armenia-Quindío, Colombia. The consumption of boiled or bottled water is a major preventive public health measure to reduce infection by T. gondii and the subsequent onset of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Juliana Muñoz-Ortiz
- Grupo de Investigación Escuela Barraquer, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología del Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Avenida Calle 100 No. 18A - 51, Colombia
| | - Manuela Mejía-Oquendo
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - José Y Arteaga-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación Escuela Barraquer, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología del Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Avenida Calle 100 No. 18A - 51, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Rivera-Valdivia
- Grupo de Investigación Escuela Barraquer, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología del Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Avenida Calle 100 No. 18A - 51, Colombia
| | - María Cristina Bohórquez-Granados
- Grupo de Investigación Escuela Barraquer, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología del Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Avenida Calle 100 No. 18A - 51, Colombia
| | - Stefany Velasco-Velásquez
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | | | | | - Laura Lorena García-López
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Torres-Morales
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Mónica Vargas
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Juan David Valencia
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Daniel Celis-Giraldo
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Carrera 15 #12N, Colombia
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias NeURos, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, Carrera 24 #63C-69, Colombia
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McKay KM, Lim LL, Van Gelder RN. Rational laboratory testing in uveitis: A Bayesian analysis. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 66:802-825. [PMID: 33577878 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Uveitis encompasses a heterogeneous group of clinical entities with the common feature of intraocular inflammation. In addition to patient history and examination, a focused set of laboratory investigations is frequently necessary to establish a specific diagnosis. There is limited consensus among uveitis specialists regarding appropriate laboratory evaluation for many distinct patient presentations. The appropriateness of a laboratory test for a given case of uveitis will depend on patient-specific as well as epidemiologic factors. Bayesian analysis is a widely used framework for the interpretation of laboratory testing, but is seldom adhered to in clinical practice. Bayes theorem states that the predictive value of a particular laboratory test depends on the sensitivity and specificity of that test, as well as the prevalence of disease in the population being tested. In this review we will summarize the performance of commonly-utilized laboratory tests for uveitis, as well as the prevalence of uveitic diagnoses in different geographic practice settings. We will propose a logical framework for effective laboratory testing in uveitic disease through rigorous application of Bayesian analysis. Finally, we will demonstrate that while many highly sensitive laboratory tests offer an effective means to rule out associated systemic disease, limited test specificity and low pretest probability often preclude the diagnosis of systemic disease association with any high degree of certainty, even in the face of positive testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Matthew McKay
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lyndell L Lim
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Russell N Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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10
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Sabapathypillai SL, James HR, Lyerla RRL, Hassman L. The Next Generation of Ocular Pathogen Detection. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2021; 10:109-113. [PMID: 33512832 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Metagenomic next-generation sequencing is a powerful method for pathogen detection that combines advanced genome sequencing technology with cutting-edge bioinformatics to analyze microbial populations. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing has the potential to identify uncommon, unculturable, and even previously unidentified pathogens from a clinical isolate. Of particular interest to ophthalmology, this robust data extraction can occur from very small volume clinical samples. Here we discuss the opportunities and limitations of this technique and their current and future application to ophthalmic diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Sabapathypillai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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11
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Wei XY, Gao Y, Lv C, Wang W, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Gong QL, Zhang XX. The global prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among foxes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2020; 150:104699. [PMID: 33383150 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most successful intracellular protozoan parasites in the world, which can infect most warm-blooded animals including foxes in the world and cause toxoplasmosis. This is the first meta-analysis to assess the overall prevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii among foxes in the world. Relevant studies were comprehensively collected from ScienceDirect, Springer-Link, PubMed, VIP Chinese Journal Databases (VIP), WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. The random-effect model was used to calculate pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and analyzed data were from 20 countries. The pooled T. gondii prevalence in foxes was estimated to be 39.6%. T. gondii has the highest prevalence in North America (51.2%), and lowest in Asia (8.3%). The prevalence in the sub-group after 2006 (44.7%) was lower than 2006 or before (48.5%). The prevalence in female foxes was 46.1%, which was higher than that in male foxes (19.7%). In species subgroup, red fox has the highest prevalence (46.8%). Wild foxes have a higher rate of infection (40.8%) than captive foxes (8.4%). Genotype Ⅱ of T. gondii is the most prevalent in foxes. We also evaluated the effects of geographical and climate variables on pooled prevalence of T. gondii in foxes. Our research indicated that toxoplasmosis widely existed in the world. The investigation of T. gondii infection in wild animals can provide an estimate of environmental pollution and T. gondii circulation in the ecosystem. It is essential for us to prevent and control T. gondii infection in foxes in order to reduce the risk of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Yang Gao
- Chongqing Auleon Biological Co Ltd, Rongchang, Chongqing, 402460, PR China; The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Chuang Lv
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co Ltd, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, PR China
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12
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Serotyping, host genes and cytokines response in human ocular toxoplasmosis. Microb Pathog 2020; 148:104465. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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Ybañez RHD, Ybañez AP, Nishikawa Y. Review on the Current Trends of Toxoplasmosis Serodiagnosis in Humans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:204. [PMID: 32457848 PMCID: PMC7227408 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed zoonotic infection caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of oocysts shed by an infected cat acting as its definitive host. The key to effective control and treatment of toxoplasmosis is prompt and accurate detection of T. gondii infection. Several laboratory diagnostic methods have been established, including the most commonly used serological assays such as the dye test (DT), direct or modified agglutination test (DAT/MAT), indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), latex agglutination test (LAT), indirect immunofluorescent test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), immunochromatographic tests (ICT), and the western blot. Nonetheless, creating specific and reliable approaches for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection, and differentiating between acute and chronic phases of infection remains a challenge. This review provides information on the current trends in the serodiagnosis of human toxoplasmosis. It highlights the advantages of the use of recombinant proteins for serological testing and provides insight into the possible future direction of these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Adrian P. Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology and Protozoan Diseases at Main and College of Veterinary Medicine, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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Saber V, Seyyed Tabaei SJ, Tabatabaei SA, Soleimani M, Haghighi A. Serological and molecular approaches in clinical diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis in Iran. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2019; 33:82. [PMID: 31696076 PMCID: PMC6825372 DOI: 10.34171/mjiri.33.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the most common parasite that can lead to a disease called toxoplasmosis. In this study, serological and molecular complementary tests have been conducted to detect or diagnose this parasite. Methods: A total of 71 patients with clinical symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis and 20 patients with other ocular infections were evaluated. Serum and buffy coat samples were collected and tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assessments. Superficial T. gondii B1 gene was evaluated in PCR. The ocular toxoplasmosis patients were followed-up 2 weeks after the first sampling and 4 weeks following the first laboratory testing. The main outcome measures were the efficiency of the diagnostic procedure and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). Results: Overall, of the samples, 69% were PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-, and 4.2% showed PCR+, IgG+, and IgM+. In the first follow-up, after 2 weeks, from the 41 referred patients, 29 (70%) showed PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-, which confirmed the results of the first sampling. In the second follow-up, 9 (47%) patients were PCR+, IgG+, and IgM-. A correlation was observed between the first referral and the follow-ups. Also, from 71 patients, diagnosed clinically as ocular toxoplasmosis, the disease was confirmed in 73.2% and 26.8% of those suffering from other ocular infections. Of the 20 control group samples, 55% showed PCR-, IgG+, and IgM-. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and negative and positive likelihoods were analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies and for PCR using ELISA method. Conclusion: As the ophthalmologic signs of T. gondii may be mimicked by other infections, clinical methods may be complemented by laboratory approaches for a definite diagnosis. This would assist clinicians to achieve timely diagnosis and successful therapy and to control the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vafa Saber
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Haghighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), a parasitic infection of the eye, is considered to be the most important infectious cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. Its prevalence is particularly high in South America, where aggressive Toxoplasma gondii strains are responsible for more-severe presentations. The particular pathophysiology of this infection leads, from recurrence to recurrence, to potentially severe vision impairment. The diagnosis of this infection is usually exclusively based on the clinical examination. However, the symptoms may be misleading and are not always sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of OT. In such cases, biological tests performed by means of several techniques on blood and ocular samples may facilitate the diagnosis. In this study, we analyzed the tests that were performed in our laboratory over a 9-year period every time OT was suspected. Our report highlights that the quality of ocular sampling by ophthalmologists and combinations of several techniques are critical for a reliable biological OT diagnosis. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), i.e., the ocular manifestation of Toxoplasma gondii infection, is one of the leading causes of posterior uveitis. While ocular lesions are often typical, atypical forms often require biological confirmation of the diagnosis. Our study sought to review the biological OT diagnoses made in our laboratory to further assess the role of each test in the diagnostic procedure. All ocular samples sent to our laboratory over the last 9 years for OT diagnosis were included. These samples were analyzed using T. gondii PCR and antibody detection by means of immunoblotting and Candolfi coefficient (CC) determinations, either alone or in combination. Since serum analysis is required to interpret both the CC and immunoblotting, blood serology for T. gondii was also performed in most cases. Of the 249 samples analyzed, 80 (32.1%; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 26.3 to 37.9) were positive for OT. Of these 80 cases, 52/80 (65.0%; 54.6 to 74.5) displayed a positive PCR, 15/80 (18.8%; 10.2 to 27.3) a positive CC, and 33/80 (41.3%; 95%CI, 30.5 to 52.0) a positive immunoblot result. Overall, 63 of the 80 OT diagnoses (78.8%; 95%CI, 69.8 to 87.7) were made on the basis of a single positive test result. Our study results remind us that current biological diagnostic tools for OT must be employed in combination to obtain an optimal diagnosis based on the precious ocular fluids sampled by ophthalmologists. Clinicobiological studies that are focused on correlating the performances of the different tests with clinical features are critically needed to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of OT. IMPORTANCE Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), a parasitic infection of the eye, is considered to be the most important infectious cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. Its prevalence is particularly high in South America, where aggressive Toxoplasma gondii strains are responsible for more-severe presentations. The particular pathophysiology of this infection leads, from recurrence to recurrence, to potentially severe vision impairment. The diagnosis of this infection is usually exclusively based on the clinical examination. However, the symptoms may be misleading and are not always sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of OT. In such cases, biological tests performed by means of several techniques on blood and ocular samples may facilitate the diagnosis. In this study, we analyzed the tests that were performed in our laboratory over a 9-year period every time OT was suspected. Our report highlights that the quality of ocular sampling by ophthalmologists and combinations of several techniques are critical for a reliable biological OT diagnosis.
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16
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Blot J, Aptel F, Chumpitazi BFF, Gain P, Vasseneix C, Savy O, Bouillet L, Pelloux H, Chiquet C. Monitoring of visual field over 6 months after active ocular toxoplasmosis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:1481-1488. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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17
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Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Vargas-Villanueva A, Marín MA, Triviño L, Carvajal N, Moreno M, Luna T, Lopez de Mesa C, Muñoz-Ortiz J, de-la-Torre A. Antibiotic treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis: study protocol. Syst Rev 2019; 8:146. [PMID: 31221217 PMCID: PMC6587239 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the most common cause of posterior uveitis, leading to visual impairment in a high proportion of patients. Antibiotics and corticosteroids lower the risk of permanent visual impairment by reducing the size of the retinochoroidal scar, the risk of recurrence, and the severity and duration of acute symptoms. Although OT is a very common cause of infectious posterior uveitis, its treatment remains controversial. Through our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to provide the best possible evidence-based information on the safety and effectiveness of the different antibiotic regimes for OT. METHODS This systematic review protocol has been developed based on PRISMA-P guidelines for reporting systematic reviews evaluating health care interventions. We will include all published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different antibiotics used for the treatment of OT. We will consider changes in visual acuity, number of recurrences, improvement or worsening of ocular inflammation, size of lesion, and adverse effects as our outcomes. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment will be undertaken by two reviewers with disagreements resolved through discussion. Studies that compared antibiotics with placebo will be excluded. The reviews will be assessed for quality and relevance. We will assess the risk of bias in five domains according to Cochrane group's tool. The type of data will dictate measures of treatment effect. We will use a random-effects model to calculate our meta-analysis, as eligible studies represent clinically varied populations of participants. DISCUSSION The strength of our study will lie in the exhaustive and systematic nature of the literature search, as well as in its methods for assessing quality and analyzing RCT data. Considering the controversial efficacy of the treatment for OT, our study will contribute to improving the existing evidence on the effectiveness of different antibiotics. Future studies may be conducted to increase physicians' awareness of antibiotic therapies, improving the health of patients with OT. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42018085468.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Feliciano-Alfonso
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - María Alejandra Marín
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Triviño
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Carvajal
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuela Moreno
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tatiana Luna
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Clara Lopez de Mesa
- Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Muñoz-Ortiz
- Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
- NeURos research group, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63 C 69, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- NeURos research group, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63 C 69, Bogotá, Colombia
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Greigert V, Di Foggia E, Filisetti D, Villard O, Pfaff AW, Sauer A, Candolfi E. When biology supports clinical diagnosis: review of techniques to diagnose ocular toxoplasmosis. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:1008-1012. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-313884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection whose worldwide prevalence is estimated at 30%, with large disparities across the world. Among infected subjects, the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is, however, limited to about 2% in Europe and 17% in South America. In France, it is estimated that about 1 000 000 patients present either active OT or subsequent chorioretinal scars. Toxoplasmagondii is the first cause of posterior uveitis worldwide, responsible for retinochoroiditis, at times associated with anterior uveitis. To date, there is no consensus yet on how to diagnose OT, which is often based only on clinical presentation. Nevertheless, OT-associated symptoms are often atypical and misleading. Over the last 20 years, tremendous progress has been made in biological tools, enabling parasitologists to confirm the diagnosis in most suspected cases of OT. Using anterior chamber puncture, a safe and fast procedure, ophthalmologists sample aqueous humour for analysis using multiple techniques in order to reach high specificity and sensitivity in OT diagnosis. In this article, we present the different techniques available for the biological diagnosis of OT, along with their characteristics, and propose a diagnostic algorithm designed to select the best of these techniques if clinical examination is not sufficient to ascertain the diagnosis.
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19
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de-la-Torre A, Valdés-Camacho J, de Mesa CL, Uauy-Nazal A, Zuluaga JD, Ramírez-Páez LM, Durán F, Torres-Morales E, Triviño J, Murillo M, Peñaranda AC, Sepúlveda-Arias JC, Gómez-Marín JE. Coinfections and differential diagnosis in immunocompetent patients with uveitis of infectious origin. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:91. [PMID: 30683065 PMCID: PMC6347798 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Making a definite diagnosis of infectious uveitis is a challenging task because many other infectious, and non-infectious uveitis, may have similar non-specific symptoms and overlapping clinical appearances. Co-infections in immunocompetent patients are not frequently proved with traditional serologic-diagnostic tools. METHODS Descriptive transversal study, in a Uveitis Service of an Ophthalmology Reference Center, in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 2014 to February 2016. Aqueous humor (AH) and/or vitreous fluid, blood and serum samples were collected from consecutive patients suspected of having infectious uveitis. The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) was confirmed by the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Differential diagnosis by PCR in AH was done for viral origin such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. RESULTS In 66 Colombian patients with uveitis of presumed infectious origin: 22 (33.3%) were confirmed as OT, 16 (24.2%) as undetermined OT, five (7.5%) as co-infections and 23 (34.8%) as other uveitis. Toxoplasma coinfection with M. tuberculosis was identified in one case by PCR and in four cases with HSV by GWC. The initial clinical diagnosis changed, after laboratory examination, in 21 cases (31.8%). CONCLUSIONS Clinical diagnosis can be changed by laboratory examination in a significant proportion of cases of uveitis. Diagnosis of OT should combine the use of PCR and GWC to reach the maximum of confirmation of cases. The use of multiple laboratory methods is necessary to identify co-infections and viral infections that can mimic OT in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Unidad de Inmunología, Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63 C 69, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Juanita Valdés-Camacho
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Clara López de Mesa
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Uauy-Nazal
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Zuluaga
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Lina María Ramírez-Páez
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Felipe Durán
- Unidad de Inmunología, Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63 C 69, Bogotá, Colombia.,Departamento de Investigación, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Torres-Morales
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Jessica Triviño
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Mateo Murillo
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Alba Cristina Peñaranda
- Departamento de Investigación, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología-Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Arias
- Grupo de Investigación Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
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Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, Carroll KC, Chapin KC, Gilligan PH, Gonzalez MD, Jerris RC, Kehl SC, Patel R, Pritt BS, Richter SS, Robinson-Dunn B, Schwartzman JD, Snyder JW, Telford S, Theel ES, Thomson RB, Weinstein MP, Yao JD. A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67:e1-e94. [PMID: 29955859 PMCID: PMC7108105 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The critical nature of the microbiology laboratory in infectious disease diagnosis calls for a close, positive working relationship between the physician/advanced practice provider and the microbiologists who provide enormous value to the healthcare team. This document, developed by experts in laboratory and adult and pediatric clinical medicine, provides information on which tests are valuable and in which contexts, and on tests that add little or no value for diagnostic decisions. This document presents a system-based approach rather than specimen-based approach, and includes bloodstream and cardiovascular system infections, central nervous system infections, ocular infections, soft tissue infections of the head and neck, upper and lower respiratory infections, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, intra-abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, urinary tract infections, genital infections, and other skin and soft tissue infections; or into etiologic agent groups, including arthropod-borne infections, viral syndromes, and blood and tissue parasite infections. Each section contains introductory concepts, a summary of key points, and detailed tables that list suspected agents; the most reliable tests to order; the samples (and volumes) to collect in order of preference; specimen transport devices, procedures, times, and temperatures; and detailed notes on specific issues regarding the test methods, such as when tests are likely to require a specialized laboratory or have prolonged turnaround times. In addition, the pediatric needs of specimen management are also emphasized. There is intentional redundancy among the tables and sections, as many agents and assay choices overlap. The document is intended to serve as a guidance for physicians in choosing tests that will aid them to quickly and accurately diagnose infectious diseases in their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J Binnicker
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Karen C Carroll
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Peter H Gilligan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Mark D Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert C Jerris
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Robin Patel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bobbi S Pritt
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Barbara Robinson-Dunn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | | | - James W Snyder
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Sam Telford
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Elitza S Theel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Richard B Thomson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Melvin P Weinstein
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Joseph D Yao
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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21
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Bispo PJM, Davoudi S, Sahm ML, Ren A, Miller J, Romano J, Sobrin L, Gilmore MS. Rapid Detection and Identification of Uveitis Pathogens by Qualitative Multiplex Real-Time PCR. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:582-589. [PMID: 29372257 PMCID: PMC5788046 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Infectious uveitis is a serious sight-threatening infection commonly caused by herpesviruses and Toxoplasma gondii. Etiologic diagnosis based on the clinical evaluation is often challenging. We developed and validated a multiplex real-time PCR assay coupled with high-resolution melting (HRM) for rapid detection and identification of herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and T. gondii. Methods The assay was designed to target pathogen genome regions that yield products with distinct melting temperatures. Analytical specificity, sensitivity, and precision of HRM identification were determined. Clinical validation was performed by testing 108 intraocular fluids collected from eyes suffering with infectious uveitis (n = 30) and controls (n = 78). Results A nonoverlapping high-precision profile for each pathogen was generated following HRM (coefficient of variation 0%). The assay was highly sensitive, with a limit of detection of 20 genome copies for herpesviruses and 200 genome copies for T. gondii. The intra- and interassay variability of cycle threshold (Ct) measurement was ≤4% and ≤6%, respectively. Thirteen intraocular specimens collected from suspected cases of infectious uveitis were positive (mean Ct values varied from 19.4 to 27.7). Melting profiles of positive cases were consistent with HSV-2 (n = 5), VZV (n = 5), CMV (n = 2), and T. gondii (n = 1). Amplicon identities were confirmed by sequencing. Control intraocular samples from patients without a clinical diagnosis of infectious uveitis were all negative. Conclusions This assay allows rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection and identification of the most common known causes of infectious uveitis, making early pathogen information-based intervention possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo J M Bispo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Samaneh Davoudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Matthew L Sahm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ai Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John Romano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lucia Sobrin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael S Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Kharel Sitaula R, Joshi SN, Sah R, Khadka S, Khatri Kc A, Pokharel BM. Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites and tachyzoites isolation from vitreous of atypical necrotizing retinitis. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2018; 8:8. [PMID: 29904801 PMCID: PMC6002333 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-018-0151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of Toxoplasma gondii cysts in vitreous of immunocompetent patient with necrotizing retinitis is extremely rare. We herein report the isolation of Toxoplasma bradyzoites and tachyzoites from the vitreous of healthy person. RESULTS A 19-year-old immunocompetent female presented with sudden loss of vision in left eye since 1 week. The BCVA was 6/6 and HM in right and left eye. The left eye finding was suggestive of diffuse necrotizing retinitis with retinal detachment. The IgM and IgG for TORCH infection were negative and HIV, HCV and HBsAg tests were also non reactive. The patient underwent diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy with silicon oil installation. The vitreous toxoplasma IgG titre was found to be significantly raised to 1:16. Bradyzoites of toxoplasma were identified in H&E staining and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma were identified in Giemsa staining of vitreous sample. She received oral clindamycin and oral corticosteroid but the vision could not be restored in left eye. CONCLUSION Hence, atypical toxoplasmosis with necrotizing retinitis is a fulminant condition with the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranju Kharel Sitaula
- B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Sagun Narayan Joshi
- B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ranjit Sah
- B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sushila Khadka
- B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anadi Khatri Kc
- Vitreo-Retinal Pathology and Surgery, Lumbini Eye Institute, Lumbini, Nepal
| | - Bharat Mani Pokharel
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Genetic Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes in Colombian Patients with Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00597-17. [PMID: 29426041 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00597-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which has the capacity to infect all warm-blooded animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of visual defects in the Colombian population; however, the association between genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes and susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis has not been studied in this population. This work evaluates the associations between polymorphisms in genes coding for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (rs1799964, rs1800629, rs1799724, rs1800630, and rs361525), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (rs16944, rs1143634, and rs1143627), IL-1α (rs1800587), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (rs2430561), and IL-10 (rs1800896 and rs1800871) and the presence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a sample of a Colombian population (61 patients with OT and 116 healthy controls). Genotyping was performed with the "dideoxynucleotide (ddNTP) primer extension" technique. Functional-effect predictions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were done by using FuncPred. A polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter (-1082G/A) was significantly more prevalent in OT patients than in controls (P = 1.93e-08; odds ratio [OR] = 5.27e+03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18 to 8.739; Bonferroni correction [BONF] = 3.48e-07). In contrast, haplotype "AG" of the IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1800896 and rs1800871) was present at a lower frequency in OT patients (P = 7e-04; OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.35). The +874A/T polymorphism of IFN-γ was associated with OT (P = 3.37e-05; OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.478 to 7.12; BONF = 6.07e-04). Haplotype "GAG" of the IL-1β gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1143634, rs1143627, and rs16944) appeared to be significantly associated with OT (P = 0.0494). The IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-1β polymorphisms influence the development of OT in the Colombian population.
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Mathis T, Beccat S, Sève P, Peyron F, Wallon M, Kodjikian L. Comparison of immunoblotting (IgA and IgG) and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient for diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients. Br J Ophthalmol 2018; 102:1454-1458. [PMID: 29343531 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a common cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. The diagnosis of OT is based on clinical findings, but in most cases, laboratory tests are required to confirm the aetiology, especially when other diseases are suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate which methods, between the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) and immunoblotting (IB) with both IgG and IgA, in aqueous humour (AH) samples, can be the most sensitive to diagnose OT, in current practice, especially in the first three weeks. METHODS Retrospectively reviewed records of 87 consecutive patients who had underwent AH and serum sample, 42 patients with suspected OT and 45 patients with suspected other ocular inflammatory diseases. All samples were analysed by both GWC and IB. RESULTS The GWC was significant in 47.6% of patients presenting with suspected OT. The intraocular production of specific antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgA was revealed by IB in 71.4% of samples. The combination of these two methods increased the sensitivity to 76.2%. Based on the interval between symptom onset and paracentesis, IB had a greater sensitivity than GWC when sample of AH was taken in the first three weeks (64.7% vs 23.5%, P=0.039), while the difference between the sensitivity of IB and GWC was less important in cases with an interval >3 weeks (76% vs 64% P=0.625). CONCLUSION IB seems to be more useful than the GWC if only one of these methods can be performed, especially during the first three weeks after symptom onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Mathis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Beccat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Sève
- Department of Internal Medicine, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - François Peyron
- Department of Parasitology and medical Mycology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Martine Wallon
- Department of Parasitology and medical Mycology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR 5292, Waking Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Bron, France
| | - Laurent Kodjikian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Medicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Garcia JL, Burrells A, Bartley PM, Bartley K, Innes EA, Katzer F. The use of ELISA, nPCR and qPCR for diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected pigs. Res Vet Sci 2017; 115:490-495. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ozgonul C, Besirli CG. Recent Developments in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Ophthalmic Res 2016; 57:1-12. [PMID: 27723657 DOI: 10.1159/000449169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis, a chorioretinal infection with Toxoplasma gondii, is the most common etiology of posterior uveitis in many countries. Accurate diagnosis depends heavily on the characteristic clinical features of this disease, but atypical presentations, especially in immunocompromised patients, may create diagnostic challenges and lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Molecular biology techniques to diagnose ocular toxoplasmosis have been available for many years and are now accessible as standard laboratory tests in many countries. Aqueous humor or vitreous evaluation to detect parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction or specific antibody may provide definitive evidence for rapid diagnosis. Oral pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine plus systemic corticosteroids are an effective therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis. Recent data supports the use of other treatment approaches, including intravitreal antibiotics. The aim of the present review is to discuss briefly the new diagnostic tools and treatment options for ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Ozgonul
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
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Villard O, Cimon B, L'Ollivier C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Godineau N, Houze S, Paris L, Pelloux H, Villena I, Candolfi E. Serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Recommendations from the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:22-33. [PMID: 26458281 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis manifests no clinical signs in 80% of cases in immunocompetent patient, causing immunization characterized by the persistence of cysts, particularly in brain, muscles, and retina. Assessing the serological status, based on testing for serum toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, is essential in cases that are increasingly at risk for the more severe disease forms, such as congenital or ocular toxoplasmosis. This disease also exposes immunosuppressed patients to reactivation, which can lead to more widespread forms and increased mortality. By interpreting the serological results, we can estimate the risk of contamination or reactivation and define appropriate prophylactic and preventive measures, such as hygienic and dietetic, therapeutic, biological, and clinical follow-up, according to the clinical context. We hereby propose practical approaches based on serological data, resulting from a consensus of a group of experts from the French National Reference Center Network for Toxoplasmosis, according to both routine and specific clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1-3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - B Cimon
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 4 rue Larrey, F-49933 Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - C L'Ollivier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint Pierre, F-13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - H Fricker-Hidalgo
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire A. Michallon et Université de Grenoble BP 217, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - N Godineau
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis, 2 rue du Docteur Pierre Delafontaine, BP 279, F-93205 Saint-Denis Cedex, France
| | - S Houze
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, AP-HP Hôpital BICHAT-Claude Bernard, 46 rue Henri Huchard, F-75877 Paris Cedex 18, France
| | - L Paris
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75651 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - H Pelloux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire A. Michallon et Université de Grenoble BP 217, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - I Villena
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Reims Champagne Ardennes, 45 rue Cognacq-Jay, F-51092 Reims Cedex, France
| | - E Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1-3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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Liu Q, Wang ZD, Huang SY, Zhu XQ. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and typing of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:292. [PMID: 26017718 PMCID: PMC4451882 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is an important zoonosis with medical and veterinary importance worldwide. The disease is mainly contracted by ingesting undercooked or raw meat containing viable tissue cysts, or by ingesting food or water contaminated with oocysts. The diagnosis and genetic characterization of T. gondii infection is crucial for the surveillance, prevention and control of toxoplasmosis. Traditional approaches for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis include etiological, immunological and imaging techniques. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been improved by the emergence of molecular technologies to amplify parasite nucleic acids. Among these, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular techniques have been useful for the genetic characterization of T. gondii. Serotyping methods based on polymorphic polypeptides have the potential to become the choice for typing T. gondii in humans and animals. In this review, we summarize conventional non-DNA-based diagnostic methods, and the DNA-based molecular techniques for the diagnosis and genetic characterization of T. gondii. These techniques have provided foundations for further development of more effective and accurate detection of T. gondii infection. These advances will contribute to an improved understanding of the epidemiology, prevention and control of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130122, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ze-Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130122, People's Republic of China.
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Ocular toxoplasmosis past, present and new aspects of an old disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 39:77-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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New clinical and experimental insights into Old World and neotropical ocular toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:99-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Murat JB, Fricker Hidalgo H, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Pelloux H. Human toxoplasmosis: which biological diagnostic tests are best suited to which clinical situations? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 11:943-56. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2013.825441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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de-la-Torre A, Sauer A, Pfaff AW, Bourcier T, Brunet J, Speeg-Schatz C, Ballonzoli L, Villard O, Ajzenberg D, Sundar N, Grigg ME, Gomez-Marin JE, Candolfi E. Severe South American ocular toxoplasmosis is associated with decreased Ifn-γ/Il-17a and increased Il-6/Il-13 intraocular levels. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2541. [PMID: 24278490 PMCID: PMC3837637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cross sectional study, 19 French and 23 Colombian cases of confirmed active ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) were evaluated. The objective was to compare clinical, parasitological and immunological responses and relate them to the infecting strains. A complete ocular examination was performed in each patient. The infecting strain was characterized by genotyping when intraocular Toxoplasma DNA was detectable, as well as by peptide-specific serotyping for each patient. To characterize the immune response, we assessed Toxoplasma protein recognition patterns by intraocular antibodies and the intraocular profile of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Significant differences were found for size of active lesions, unilateral macular involvement, unilateral visual impairment, vitreous inflammation, synechiae, and vasculitis, with higher values observed throughout for Colombian patients. Multilocus PCR-DNA sequence genotyping was only successful in three Colombian patients revealing one type I and two atypical strains. The Colombian OT patients possessed heterogeneous atypical serotypes whereas the French were uniformly reactive to type II strain peptides. The protein patterns recognized by intraocular antibodies and the cytokine patterns were strikingly different between the two populations. Intraocular IFN-γ and IL-17 expression was lower, while higher levels of IL-13 and IL-6 were detected in aqueous humor of Colombian patients. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that South American strains may cause more severe OT due to an inhibition of the protective effect of IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra de-la-Torre
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Universidad del Rosario, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Inmunología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Arnaud Sauer
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tristan Bourcier
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Claude Speeg-Schatz
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Ballonzoli
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France and INSERM UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Natarajan Sundar
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jorge E. Gomez-Marin
- GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Sánchez-Orozco LV, Rodríguez LR, Rodríguez S, Roig-Melo E, Troyo Sanromán R, Chiquete E, Armendáriz-Borunda J. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in drivers involved in road traffic accidents in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:294. [PMID: 24499659 PMCID: PMC3852619 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the general population of Guadalajara, Mexico, is around 32%. Toxoplasmosis can cause ocular lesions and slowing of reaction reflexes. Latent toxoplasmosis has been related with traffic accidents. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and visual impairments related with traffic accidents in drivers from the metropolitan Guadalajara. METHODS We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies in 159 individuals involved in traffic accidents, and in 164 control drivers never involved in accidents. Cases of toxoplasmosis reactivation or acute infection were detected by PCR in a subset of 71 drivers studied for the presence of T. gondii DNA in blood samples. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed in drivers with IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in search of ocular toxoplasmosis. RESULTS Fifty-four (34%) traffic accident drivers and 59 (36%) controls were positive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies (p = 0.70). Among the 113 seropositive participants, mean anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies titers were higher in traffic accident drivers than in controls (237.9 ± 308.5 IU/ml vs. 122.9 ± 112.7 IU/ml, respectively; p = 0.01 by Student's t test, p = 0.037 by Mann-Whitney U test). In multivariate analyses, anti-T. gondii IgG antibody titers were consistently associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents, whereas age showed an inverse association. The presence of IgM-anti-T. gondii antibodies was found in three (1.9%) subjects among traffic accident drives, and in two (1.2%) controls. Three (4.2%) samples were positive for the presence of T. gondii DNA, all among seropositive individuals. No signs of ocular toxoplasmosis were found in the entire cohort. Moreover, no other ocular conditions were found to be associated with the risk of traffic accidents in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Anti-T. gondii antibody titers are associated with the risk of traffic accidents. We could not determine any association of ocular toxoplasmosis with traffic accidents. Our results warrant further analyses in order to clarify the link between toxoplasmosis and traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Department of Physiology, Neurophysiology Laboratory, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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Teoh SC, Dick AD. Diagnostic techniques for inflammatory eye disease: past, present and future: a review. BMC Ophthalmol 2013; 13:41. [PMID: 23926885 PMCID: PMC3750647 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-13-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations used to aid diagnosis and prognosticate outcomes in ocular inflammatory disorders are based on techniques that have evolved over the last two centuries have dramatically evolved with the advances in molecular biological and imaging technology. Our improved understanding of basic biological processes of infective drives of innate immunity bridging the engagement of adaptive immunity have formed techniques to tailor and develop assays, and deliver targeted treatment options. Diagnostic techniques are paramount to distinguish infective from non-infective intraocular inflammatory disease, particularly in atypical cases. The advances have enabled our ability to multiplex assay small amount of specimen quantities of intraocular samples including aqueous, vitreous or small tissue samples. Nevertheless to achieve diagnosis, techniques often require a range of assays from traditional hypersensitivity reactions and microbe specific immunoglobulin analysis to modern molecular techniques and cytokine analysis. Such approaches capitalise on the advantages of each technique, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of diagnoses. This review article highlights the development of laboratory diagnostic techniques for intraocular inflammatory disorders now readily available to assist in accurate identification of infective agents and appropriation of appropriate therapies as well as formulating patient stratification alongside clinical diagnoses into disease groups for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Teoh
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore.
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Baron EJ, Miller JM, Weinstein MP, Richter SS, Gilligan PH, Thomson RB, Bourbeau P, Carroll KC, Kehl SC, Dunne WM, Robinson-Dunn B, Schwartzman JD, Chapin KC, Snyder JW, Forbes BA, Patel R, Rosenblatt JE, Pritt BS. A guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases: 2013 recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM)(a). Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:e22-e121. [PMID: 23845951 PMCID: PMC3719886 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The critical role of the microbiology laboratory in infectious disease diagnosis calls for a close, positive working relationship between the physician and the microbiologists who provide enormous value to the health care team. This document, developed by both laboratory and clinical experts, provides information on which tests are valuable and in which contexts, and on tests that add little or no value for diagnostic decisions. Sections are divided into anatomic systems, including Bloodstream Infections and Infections of the Cardiovascular System, Central Nervous System Infections, Ocular Infections, Soft Tissue Infections of the Head and Neck, Upper Respiratory Infections, Lower Respiratory Tract infections, Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Intraabdominal Infections, Bone and Joint Infections, Urinary Tract Infections, Genital Infections, and Skin and Soft Tissue Infections; or into etiologic agent groups, including Tickborne Infections, Viral Syndromes, and Blood and Tissue Parasite Infections. Each section contains introductory concepts, a summary of key points, and detailed tables that list suspected agents; the most reliable tests to order; the samples (and volumes) to collect in order of preference; specimen transport devices, procedures, times, and temperatures; and detailed notes on specific issues regarding the test methods, such as when tests are likely to require a specialized laboratory or have prolonged turnaround times. There is redundancy among the tables and sections, as many agents and assay choices overlap. The document is intended to serve as a reference to guide physicians in choosing tests that will aid them to diagnose infectious diseases in their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Jo Baron
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Shobab L, Pleyer U, Johnsen J, Metzner S, James ER, Torun N, Fay MP, Liesenfeld O, Grigg ME. Toxoplasma serotype is associated with development of ocular toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 2013; 208:1520-8. [PMID: 23878321 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the principal cause of posterior uveitis, a severe, life-altering disease. A Toxoplasma gondii enzyme-linked immunoassay that detects strain-specific antibodies present in serum was used to correlate serotype with disease. METHODS Toxoplasma serotypes in consecutive serum samples from German uveitis patients with OT were compared with non-OT seropositive patients with noninfectious autoimmune posterior uveitis. OT patients were tested for association of parasite serotype with age, gender, location, clinical onset, size, visual acuity, or number of lesions (mean follow-up, 3.8 years) to determine association with recurrences. RESULTS A novel, nonreactive (NR) serotype was detected more frequently in serum samples of OT patients (50/114, 44%) than in non-OT patients (4/56, 7%) (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% confidence interval 3.4-40.8; P < .0001). Non-OT patients were predominantly infected with Type II strains (39/56; 70%), consistent with expected frequencies in Central Europe. Among OT patients, those with NR serotypes experienced more frequent recurrences (P = .037). Polymerase chain reaction detected parasite DNA in 8/60 OT aqueous humor specimens but failed to identify Type II strain alleles. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma NR and Type II serotypes predominate in German OT patients. The NR serotype is associated with OT recurrences, underscoring the value of screening for management of disease.
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Sauer A, Villard O, Bourcier T, Speeg-Schatz C, Candolfi E. Toxoplasmose oculaire : de la physiopathologie au diagnostic microbiologique. J Fr Ophtalmol 2013; 36:76-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Butler NJ, Furtado JM, Winthrop KL, Smith JR. Ocular toxoplasmosis II: clinical features, pathology and management. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012; 41:95-108. [PMID: 22712598 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02838.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The term, ocular toxoplasmosis, refers to eye disease related to infection with the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Recurrent posterior uveitis is the typical form of this disease, characterized by unilateral, necrotizing retinitis with secondary choroiditis, occurring adjacent to a pigmented retinochoroidal scar and associated with retinal vasculitis and vitritis. Multiple atypical presentations are also described, and severe inflammation is observed in immunocompromised patients. Histopathological correlations demonstrate focal coagulative retinal necrosis, and early in the course of the disease, this inflammation is based in the inner retina. For typical ocular toxoplasmosis, a diagnosis is easily made on clinical examination. In atypical cases, ocular fluid testing to detect parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction or to determine intraocular production of specific antibody may be extremely helpful for establishing aetiology. Given the high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in most communities, serological testing for T. gondii antibodies is generally not useful. Despite a lack of published evidence for effectiveness of current therapies, most ophthalmologists elect to treat patients with ocular toxoplasmosis that reduces or threatens to impact vision. Classic therapy consists of oral pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, plus systemic corticosteroid. Substantial toxicity of this drug combination has spurred interest in alternative antimicrobials, as well as local forms of drug delivery. At this time, however, no therapeutic approach is curative of ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Butler
- Division of Ocular Immunology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lee SE, Hong SH, Lee SH, Jeong YI, Lim SJ, Kwon OW, Kim SH, You YS, Cho SH, Lee WJ. Detection of ocular Toxoplasma gondii infection in chronic irregular recurrent uveitis by PCR. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2012; 50:229-31. [PMID: 22949751 PMCID: PMC3428569 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite resulting in human infections and one of the infectious pathogens leading to uveitis and retinochoroiditis. The present study was performed to assess T. gondii infection in 20 ocular patients with chronic irregular recurrent uveitis (20 aqueous humor and 20 peripheral blood samples) using PCR. All samples were analyzed by nested PCR targeting a specific B1 gene of T. gondii. The PCR-positive rate was 25% (5/20), including 5% (1) in blood samples, 25% (5) in aqueous humor samples, and 5% (1) in both sample types. A molecular screening test for T. gondii infection in ocular patients with common clinical findings of an unclear retinal margin and an inflammatory membrane over the retina, as seen by fundus examination, may be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Osong, Korea
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Robert-Gangneux F, Dardé ML. Epidemiology of and diagnostic strategies for toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25:264-96. [PMID: 22491772 PMCID: PMC3346298 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.05013-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 999] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was discovered a little over 100 years ago, but knowledge of its biological life cycle and its medical importance has grown in the last 40 years. This obligate intracellular parasite was identified early as a pathogen responsible for congenital infection, but its clinical expression and the importance of reactivations of infections in immunocompromised patients were recognized later, in the era of organ transplantation and HIV infection. Recent knowledge of host cell-parasite interactions and of parasite virulence has brought new insights into the comprehension of the pathophysiology of infection. In this review, we focus on epidemiological and diagnostic aspects, putting them in perspective with current knowledge of parasite genotypes. In particular, we provide critical information on diagnostic methods according to the patient's background and discuss the implementation of screening tools for congenital toxoplasmosis according to health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Service de Parasitologie, Faculté de Médecine et Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
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Abstract
Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is deemed a local event, which may fail to evoke a detectable systemic immune response. A correct diagnosis of the disease is a necessary basis for estimating its clinical burden. This is not so difficult in a typical clinical picture. In atypical cases, further diagnostic efforts are to be installed. Although the aqueous humor may be analyzed for specific antibodies or the presence of parasitic DNA, the DNA burden therein is low, and in rare instances a confirmation would necessitate vitreous sampling. A laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis is frustrated by individual differences in the time elapsing between clinical symptoms and activation of specific antibody production, which may result in false negatives. In congenital ocular toxoplasmosis, a delay in the onset of specific local antibody production could reflect immune tolerance. Herein, the authors attempt to provide a simple and practicable algorithm for a clinically tailored diagnostic approach in atypical instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus G Garweg
- Swiss Eye Institute and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Errera MH, Goldschmidt P, Batellier L, Degorge S, Héron E, Laroche L, Sahel JA, Westcott M, Chaumeil C. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and intraocular antibody production for the diagnosis of viral versus toxoplasmic infectious posterior uveitis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2011; 249:1837-46. [PMID: 21732111 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-011-1724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work was to determine the diagnostic performance of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to assess intraocular specific antibody secretion (Goldmann-Witmer coefficient) on samples from patients with signs of posterior uveitis presumably of infectious origin and to target the use of these two biologic tests in the diagnostic of Toxoplasma/viral Herpesviridae posterior uveitis by the consideration of clinical behavior and delay of intraocular sampling. METHODS Aqueous humour and/or vitreous fluid were collected from patients suspected of having posterior uveitis of infectious origin at presentation (140 samples). The diagnosis was confirmed by quantification of antibodies with the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) and for detection of Herpesviridae and Toxoplasma gondii genomes with RT-PCR. Forty-one patients had final diagnosis of uveitis of non-Toxoplasma/non-viral origin and 35 among them constituted the control group. The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). RESULTS When pre-intraocular testing indication was compared with final diagnosis, GWC was a more sensitive and specific method than RT-PCR, and was successful in detecting T. gondii, especially if the patient is immunocompetent and the testing is carried out later in the disease course, up to 15 months. For viral Herpesviridae uveitis, the sensitivity and PPV of PCR evaluation was higher than detected with GWC with respectively 46% compared with 20% for sensitivity and 85% versus 60% for PPV. In either viral retinitis or toxoplasmosis infection, RT-PCR results were positive from 24 h, although GWC was not significant until 1 week after the onset of signs. In toxoplasmosis patients, positive RT-PCR results were statistically correlated with the chorioretinitis area (more than three disc areas; p = 0.002), with the age older than 50 (p = 0.0034) and with a clinical anterior inflammation (Tyndall ≥1/2+) and panuveitis; (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS For the diagnosis of viral or toxoplasmosis-associated intraocular inflammation, the usefulness of laboratory diagnosis tools (RT-PCR and GWC) depends on parameters other than the sensitivity of the tests. Certain patient characteristics such as the age of the patients, immune status, duration since the onset of symptoms, retinitis area, predominant site and extent of inflammation within the eye should orientate the rational for the choice of laboratory testing in analysis of intraocular fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Hélène Errera
- Service d'Ophtalmologie IV, Centre National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, 28 rue de Charenton, 75012, Paris, France.
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Bidgoli S, Koch P, Caspers L. [Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis: positive PCR on vitreous with negative serology for Toxoplasma gondii]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2011; 34:384.e1-5. [PMID: 21492958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ocular recurrences of congenital toxoplasmosis usually occur during the first and second decades of life. At that time, serum levels of IgG against toxoplasmosis are almost always detectable because of the very high sensitivity of the test. The diagnosis is mainly supported by the ophthalmological examination and the good clinical response to treatment. In atypical cases, the Goldman-Witmer coefficient (GWC) on aqueous and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on aqueous or vitreous is usually performed to substantiate the diagnosis. We report a case of recurrent macular chorioretinitis in a 13-year-old immunocompetent patient with a history of congenital toxoplasmosis whose repeated serologies remained negative or uncertain. However, the diagnosis of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis was supported by the detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA by PCR analysis in a vitreous sample. Although the sensitivity of serology is very high, it is not perfect and there are false-negative results. In case of high clinical presumption in spite of a negative serology, PCR could be a helpful contribution to the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bidgoli
- Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Saint-Pierre, université Libre de Bruxelles, rue Haute-322, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
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Lahmar I, Guinard M, Sauer A, Marcellin L, Abdelrahman T, Roux M, Mousli M, Moussa A, Babba H, Pfaff AW, Candolfi E. Murine neonatal infection provides an efficient model for congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2010; 124:190-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Multicenter comparative evaluation of five commercial methods for toxoplasma DNA extraction from amniotic fluid. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:3881-6. [PMID: 19846633 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01164-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, a number of new nucleic acid extraction methods and extraction platforms using chemistry combined with magnetic or silica particles have been developed, in combination with instruments to facilitate the extraction procedure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the suitability of these automated methods for the isolation of Toxoplasma gondii DNA from amniotic fluid (AF). Therefore, three automated procedures were compared to two commercialized manual extraction methods. The MagNA Pure Compact (Roche), BioRobot EZ1 (Qiagen), and easyMAG (bioMérieux) automated procedures were compared to two manual DNA extraction kits, the QIAamp DNA minikit (Qiagen) and the High Pure PCR template preparation kit (Roche). Evaluation was carried out with two specific Toxoplasma PCRs (targeting the 529-bp repeat element), inhibitor search PCRs, and human beta-globin PCRs. The samples each consisted of 4 ml of AF with or without a calibrated Toxoplasma gondii RH strain suspension (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 25 tachyzoites/ml). All PCR assays were laboratory-developed real-time PCR assays, using either TaqMan or fluorescent resonance energy transfer probes. A total of 1,178 PCRs were performed, including 978 Toxoplasma PCRs. The automated and manual methods were similar in sensitivity for DNA extraction from T. gondii at the highest concentration (25 Toxoplasma gondii cells/ml). However, our results showed that the DNA extraction procedures led to variable efficacy in isolating low concentrations of tachyzoites in AF samples (<5 Toxoplasma gondii cells/ml), a difference that might have repercussions since low parasite concentrations in AF exist and can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Lynch MI, Malagueño E, Lynch LF, Ferreira S, Stheling R, Oréfice F. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii secretory IgA in tears of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis: immunodiagnostic validation by ELISA. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:818-22. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000600003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvana Ferreira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil; Universidade de Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Raphael Stheling
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Fernando Oréfice
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Contributions of immunoblotting, real-time PCR, and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient to diagnosis of atypical toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:2131-5. [PMID: 19439541 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00128-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a major cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. The diagnosis is based mainly on ophthalmological examination. Biological diagnosis is necessary in atypical cases, and this requires aqueous humor sampling by anterior chamber paracentesis. We evaluated real-time PCR targeting the Toxoplasma gondii 529-bp repeat element, the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC), and immunoblotting for the diagnosis of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in 54 patients with atypical uveitis. The results of these biological tests, applied to paired aqueous humor-serum samples, were compared to the clinical findings. Combining either PCR or the GWC with immunoblotting increased the sensitivity to 73% or 70%, respectively. Together, PCR and the GWC had 80% sensitivity. If feasible, sensitivity can be increased by combining the three methods (85% sensitivity). The interval between symptom onset and anterior chamber paracentesis strongly influenced the detection of specific intraocular antibody synthesis. The sensitivity of the GWC increased from 45% to 56% when sampling was performed 10 days after symptom onset, and that of immunoblotting increased from 53% to 72% when puncture was performed 30 days after symptom onset. PCR analysis of aqueous humor samples detected toxoplasmic DNA in 55% of patients. In contrast to the results of immunoblotting and the GWC, the results of PCR were not influenced by the interval between symptom onset and paracentesis. PCR was more informative than the GWC and immunoblotting for immunocompromised patients. Acute necrotizing retinal lesions were significantly larger in PCR-positive patients, with a mean of 3.5 optic disc diameters, than in PCR-negative patients, with a mean of 1.5 optic disc diameters.
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[Diagnosis and treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis : a survey of German-speaking ophthalmologists]. Ophthalmologe 2009; 105:1023-8. [PMID: 18369638 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-008-1694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most frequent cause of posterior uveitis in Germany. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate current strategies in the management of ocular toxoplasmosis by uveitis specialists in Germany. METHODS An itemized questionnaire including clinical case reports with authentic photographs was distributed to physician members (n=40) of the German Uveitis Society. In addition, members were categorized regarding their clinical background, professional affiliation and experience with ocular toxoplasmosis. RESULTS The completed questionnaire was returned by 72% (29/40) of the members. According to the answers, the majority (70%) of responders base their diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis on clinical examination and serological findings. Although a positive IgM titre or increasing IgG titres support the diagnosis only in cases of recently acquired disease, these are reported to support the diagnosis by 58 and 41%, respectively. Invasive procedures such as aqueous humour analysis are performed by 59% of colleagues to establish the diagnosis in selected patients. A total of six antimicrobial agents were reported for treatment in different regimens for typical clinical conditions in patients with recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is the most commonly used (48%), followed by clindamycin (38%). CONCLUSIONS Our survey indicates the lack of a "gold standard" for diagnosis and medical treatment in ocular toxoplasmosis. Further efforts have to be undertaken towards a better distribution of available information and to determine strategies for providing standards of continuously updated diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for routine clinical practice.
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Yeung SN, Butler A, Mackenzie PJ. Applications of the polymerase chain reaction in clinical ophthalmology. Can J Ophthalmol 2009; 44:23-30. [PMID: 19169309 DOI: 10.3129/i08-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular biology has become a valuable component in many areas of medicine, including ophthalmology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most widely used tool. It has proven to be a powerful technique in diagnosis and quantification of microorganisms and antibiotic resistance screening. For a growing number of ophthalmic conditions PCR testing can be conducted. It is therefore important that clinicians be knowledgeable about the indications, strengths, and limitations of the technique. The purpose of this review is to explore the current role of PCR in the diagnosis and management of eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia N Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
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