Pathophysiological aspects of ocular toxoplasmosis
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abstract
The eye is one of the key organs affected by Toxoplasma gondii. Ocular infection is characterized by retinochoroiditis and is a frequent cause of visual impairment and blindness. Research on host-parasite interactions has increased our understanding concerning the origin of mechanisms of invasion, virulence of the different strains, host genetic susceptibility to infection, the immune response to this parasite, retinal compromise and differences in clinical manifestations owing to the host-parasite interplay. All these factors have possible implications in the treatment and prognosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. While there have been advances in the knowledge of these aspects, significant gaps persist. Gaining insight in the underlying mechanisms that are implicated in the pathophysiology of ocular toxoplasmosis may lead to its potential control in the future. This review aims to review the current advances in the understanding of the host-parasite relationship in ocular toxoplasmosis and the factors that might change its treatment and outcome, as it is a potentially blinding disease.
