Recurrent ocular disease in postnatally acquired toxoplasmosis

PURPOSE: Although recurrences are typical of congenital toxoplasmosis, the long-term ocular manifestations in postnatally acquired toxoplasmosis have never been systematically studied. We report on the ocular manifestations complicating the chronic phase of postnatally acquired toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Review of the clinical data of 14 patients who presented with active ocular toxoplasmosis not associated with scars and who had serologic characteristics of recently acquired systemic toxoplasmosis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 4.6 years. Recurrent ocular disease developed in eight (57%) of 14 cases. The number of patients with recurrences increased with the follow-up time: four (29%) of 14 during the first year of follow-up; eight (57%) of 14 during the second year; and eight of nine during the third follow-up year. No risk factors for the development of recurrences were identified. Satellite lesions developed in five of eight patients with recurrences, whereas lesions not adjacent to old scars, located in areas of previously unaffected retina, developed in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: In postnatally acquired toxoplasmosis, frequent recurrences of ocular disease can be seen during the chronic phase of infection.