Which parasite is a common cause of retinochoroiditis in immunocompetent individuals?

Study for the NBEO Microbiology exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which parasite is a common cause of retinochoroiditis in immunocompetent individuals?

Explanation:
Ocular toxoplasmosis is the classic cause of retinochoroiditis in people with normal immune function. Toxoplasma gondii forms tissue cysts in the retina and can reactivate, leading to a focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis with overlying vitritis. This usually presents unilaterally and may show a “headlight in the fog” appearance on exam. Other parasites listed don’t fit this classic pattern: Acanthamoeba tends to cause keratitis and sometimes CNS infection, Toxocara canis causes granulomatous endophthalmitis more common in children, and Plasmodium vivax is associated with malaria retinopathy rather than a focal retinochoroiditis.

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the classic cause of retinochoroiditis in people with normal immune function. Toxoplasma gondii forms tissue cysts in the retina and can reactivate, leading to a focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis with overlying vitritis. This usually presents unilaterally and may show a “headlight in the fog” appearance on exam. Other parasites listed don’t fit this classic pattern: Acanthamoeba tends to cause keratitis and sometimes CNS infection, Toxocara canis causes granulomatous endophthalmitis more common in children, and Plasmodium vivax is associated with malaria retinopathy rather than a focal retinochoroiditis.

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