Issue 8/2025
Mitkova-Hristova, V.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital „St. George“ – Plovdiv
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. The intermediate hosts are all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. Toxoplasmosis is a leading etiological factor for infectious uveitis worldwide, causing 25-90% of all uveitis cases. Ocular toxoplasmosis can be congenital or acquired. Оcular involvement results from an acquired postnatal infection, with a typical clinical presentation occurring from the second to the fourth decade of life. It manifests as a focal chorioretinal lesion with unilateral location. In the active phase, it progresses as a necrotizing retinochoroiditis with associated vitreitis. The goal of therapy is to limit the duration of the active parasitic infection and the extent of structural damage to the retina. The preference of T. gondii for the macula and posterior pole of the eye represents a threat to vision, and there is a lifelong risk of infection reactivation in patients.
Address for correspondence:
Dr. V. Mitkova-Hristova, MD
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine,
Medical University – Plovdiv
15A, V. Aprilov, Blvd.
e-mail: vesela_mitkova@abv.bg