Immune Mediators against Toxoplasma Gondii during Reactivation of Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze possible associations between systemic and ocular cytokine levels and specific clinical ophthalmologic signs from patients with a reactivation of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (RTR). Methods: A total of 18 patients with an active RTR episode, 8 patients with inactive scars, and 14 control patients were included in the study. Serum samples and aqueous humor (AH) samples were analyzed for IFN (interferon)-ã, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 levels by ELISA. Inflammation grade, location, and size of the retinochoroidal active lesion, sampling time, and time to resolution were recorded. Results: A significantly negative correlation between AH and serum levels of IFN-ã was detected (p < 0.05). Patients with an AH IFN-ã/IL-10 ratio lower than 1 were associated with the longest time to resolution and/or severe complications. Conclusion: Serum IFN-ã levels may be used as a prognostic marker for both time to resolution and the development of possible severe complications during a given RTR episode.