Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis.
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of retinochoroiditis. Conventional multidrug therapy using sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid is increasingly difficult to procure and administer safely.


METHODS
To evaluate the efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a fixed-combination antibiotic, patients with active toxoplasmosis were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS) with or without adjunctive clindamycin and prednisone for 4 to 6 weeks.


RESULTS
All patients in this study (n = 16) had resolution of active retinochoroiditis and had improved vision, with an average gain of 5.2 lines of vision. Two patients developed a drug allergy.


CONCLUSIONS
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole appears to be a safe and effective substitute for sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid (Leucovorin) in treating ocular toxoplasmosis.
Opremcak
E M
EM
Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbus 43210.
Scales
D K
DK
Sharpe
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002825:Chorioretinitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014126:Toxoplasmosis, Ocular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D002981:Clindamycin; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D011241:Prednisone