Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of retinochoroiditis. Conventional multidrug therapy using sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid is increasingly difficult to procure and administer safely.

METHODS:

To evaluate the efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a fixed-combination antibiotic, patients with active toxoplasmosis were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS) with or without adjunctive clindamycin and prednisone for 4 to 6 weeks.

RESULTS:

All patients in this study (n = 16) had resolution of active retinochoroiditis and had improved vision, with an average gain of 5.2 lines of vision. Two patients developed a drug allergy.

CONCLUSION:

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole appears to be a safe and effective substitute for sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid (Leucovorin) in treating ocular toxoplasmosis.

• Authors: E M Opremcak, D K Scales, M R Sharpe
• Journal: Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology) Vol. 99 Issue 6 Pg. 920-5 (Jun 1992) ISSN: 0161-6420 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1630782 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Clindamycin
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
• Prednisone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Chorioretinitis (drug therapy, parasitology)
• Clindamycin (therapeutic use)
• Drug Tolerance
• Female
• Fundus Oculi
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prednisone (therapeutic use)
• Toxoplasmosis, Ocular (drug therapy)
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination (therapeutic use)
• Visual Acuity