Screening by Ophthalmoscopy for Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis in Colombia

Abstract

Design Observational cohort study. Methods The study was performed at the “Universidad del Quindío,” Armenia (Colombia), from November to December 2005. Indirect ocular funduscopy by ophthalmologists was performed in students, teachers, and administrative staff between 18 and 45 years of age without previous ocular pathology. The diagnostic criteria were based on the observation of typical funduscopic lesions and the detection of positive immunoglobulin (Ig) G anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Results From a total of 200 people, 12 (6%) had inactive retinochoroidal scars. Two of them had visual acuity of <20/200 and one of 20/70. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma was performed in nine patients, all of whom were positive for IgG and one for IgM. Conclusions A relatively high prevalence of retinochoroidal scars (6%) was detected in a young universitary population in Colombia.