Usefulness of serology in diagnosis of different clinical presentations of ocular toxoplasmosis

Authors

  • Saritha V. Krishnankutty Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India
  • Reni Philip Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India
  • Vijayamma Narayani Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20200418

Keywords:

Ocular, Toxoplasmosis, Typical, Atypical, Serology

Abstract

 

Background: Large proportions of acquired cases of ocular toxoplasmosis are reported with atypical presentations. The objectives of the study were to find out whether any correlation existed between serological findings of typical and atypical presentations of ocular toxoplasmosis as compared to cases presenting with non-toxoplasmic uveitis and to find out the proportion of various atypical presentations of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Methods: It was a prospective observational study.The study subjects of ocular toxoplasmosis were tested for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) toxoplasma antibody levels in serum by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique. The proportion of atypical presentation among total toxoplasma cases and distribution of atypical cases were calculated.  Fisher’s exact test, one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-wallis test were used as applicable.

Results: Among the cases (n=35) thirteen patients had typical presentation of a retinochoroidal focus with an adjacent scar and 22 patients had atypical features. Control group consisted of 24 patients. Various types of presentations in atypical cases were retinitis patch without an adjacent scar (31.8%), intermediate uveitis (27.3%), papillitis (22.7%) retinal vasculitis and dense vitritis (9.09% each).  Mean IgG levels in typical cases (85.3±82.9 IU/ml) and atypical cases (47.5±66.2) were significantly higher than control group (6.6±3.4, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Serology is a useful tool in the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis with a compatible clinical picture as serum IgG levels are significantly elevated in both typical and atypical presentations of ocular toxoplasmosis as compared to cases presenting with non-toxoplasmic uveitis.

References

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Published

2020-01-28

How to Cite

Krishnankutty, S. V., Philip, R., & Narayani, V. (2020). Usefulness of serology in diagnosis of different clinical presentations of ocular toxoplasmosis. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(2), 517–520. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20200418

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Section

Original Research Articles