Seroepidemiology of ocular toxoplasmosis-profile of an urban population.
200 uveitis cases and 100 controls were serologically analysed for Toxoplasma antibodies (Ab) using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT-IgG, Igm) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA IgG, IgM). Ophthalmologically cases were segregated into 4 groups anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, pan uveitis and varied presentation uveitis. Toxoplasma seropositivity of 32% in cases and 4% in controls was established. IHA, IFAT, ELISA detected 20%, 18% and 32% cases as seropositive respectively, IFAT being most specific (100%) and ELISA most sensitive (41.37%). Insignificant change in Ab titre was observed in sequential samples of seropositive cases. Posterior Uveitis cases had the maximum seropositivity (41.7%). Highest seropositivity was in 16-25 years age group with no sex preponderance. Dietary habits and occupational history had no bearing on Toxoplasma infection. Results indicate that serology in mandatory for diagnosing Toxoplasma as a cause of uveitis, 2 or more tests on a single serum sample detecting IgG and Igm Ab are the best indicators of infection.
Jain
S D
SD
Department of Microbiology, Safdarjang Hospital.
Uppal
B
B
Mehta
D K
DK
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology; D014126:Toxoplasmosis, Ocular / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population; D014605:Uveitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan