title: Ocular toxoplasmosis: background and evidence for an antibiotic prophylaxis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of current data on antibiotic prophylaxis in ocular toxoplasmosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies showing the prophylactic effect of long-term antibiotics are discussed. Prophylaxis seems to be justified in patients with a high risk of recurrence because of antibiotic's potential side-effects. Therefore, predisposing factors leading to a higher risk of recurrence and the time period during which an antibiotic prophylaxis is most appropriate are reviewed. Finally, a patient-individualized treatment recommendation is summarized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the current literature, two prospective, randomized case-control studies exist, which show the protective effect of an antibiotic prophylaxis. Hematologic, gastrointestinal and dermatologic complications are potential side-effects. Especially during the first year after suffering a recurrence, an antibiotic prophylaxis seems to be justified. The risk of a recurrence is inter alia influenced by the duration of the disease, the immune status of the host and the patient's age. Therefore, an antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for patients who have recently been infected with ocular toxoplasmosis, for middle-aged and elderly patients and patients with a compromised immune system. This should be discussed with each patient individually, especially if the lesion is close to the macula.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Ophthalmology bInterdisciplinary Uveitis Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reich
authors.forename: Friederike
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mackensen
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D012307:Risk Factors; D014126:Toxoplasmosis, Ocular / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents