Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole and Azithromycin Combination Therapy for Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin combination for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: Nineteen ocular toxoplasmosis patients treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin ± corticosteroid combination were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical findings, the time interval until resolution of inflammation, recurrences, and drug side effects were collected. Results: The mean follow-up time of the patients was 25.0 ± 22.5 (range; 6 –66) months. Final visual acuity improved with a mean of 6 ± 4 lines in 15 patients (78.9%). Inflammatory findings began to subside within 14.8 ± 10.0 days. Three patients (15.8%) had recurrent attack. Only 1 patient (5.3%) had side effects from therapy. Conclusions: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin combination is an effective and safe treatment modality for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Keywords:

• azithromycin
• ocular toxoplasmosis
• recurrence
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• visual acuity