Abstract
Analysis of local toxoplasma antibody production to confirm a suspected clinical diagnosis of toxoplasma chorioretinitis is a valuable diagnostic tool. Determination of toxoplasma antibodies in the blood of the patient is of limited use. When blood toxoplasma tests are negative this indicates that toxoplasma as a causative organism in the pathogenesis of uveitis is unlikely.
A positive blood test is a sensitive test (100% patients positive) but not a specific test since so many healthy individuals already have undergone subclinical infection and have acquired humoral immunity against the parasite.
We analysed 93 paired aqueous and serum samples for toxoplasma antibodies and total IgG and determined the Goldmann-Wittmer coefficient. In patients retrospectively diagnosed as having toxoplasma chorioretinitis 16 out of 22 had a positive coefficient, indicating local parasite antibody production. In one patient with AIDS we also found a positive toxoplasma coefficient. Three out of 15 patients with posterior uveitis of unknown origin also had a positive coefficient. None of the cataract patients tested (n=32) had a positive coefficient. Major drawbacks of aqueous humor analysis are that a false negative antibody coefficient can occur when a massive blood aqueous barrier breakdown has occurred.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Loewer-Sieger DH, Rothova A, Koppe JG, Kijlstra A. Congenital Toxoplasmosis, a prospective study based on 1821 pregnant women. In: K.M. Saari, editor. Uveitis Update. Elsevier Science Publ. 1984; 203–207.
Kijlstra A, Breebaart AC, Baarsma GS, Bos PJM, Rothova A, Luyendijk L, Fortuin MEHM, Schweitzer NJM. Aqueous chamber taps in toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Doc Ophthalmol 1986; 64: 53–58.
Kijlstra A, Rothova A, Baarsma GS, Zaal MJM, Fortuin MEHM, Schweitzer CMC, Glasius E, de Jong PTVM. Computer registration of uveitis patients. Doc Ophthalmol 1987; 67: 139–143.
Rothova A, van Knapen F, Loewer-Sieger DH, Luyendijk L, Baarsma GS, Kruit PJ, Kijlstra A. Serological investigations in ocular toxoplasmosis. In: AG Secchi, IA Fregona Eds. Modern Trends in Immunology and Immunopathology of the Eye. Masson 1989; 128–132.
Rothova A, van Knapen F, Baarsma GS, Kruit PJ, Loewer-Sieger DH, Kijlstra A. Serology in ocular toxoplasmosis. Br J Ophthalmol 1986; 70: 615–622.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kijlstra, A., Luyendijk, L., Baarsma, G.S. et al. Aqueous humor analysis as a diagnostic tool in toxoplasma uveitis. Int Ophthalmol 13, 383–386 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02306485
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02306485