Toxoplasma gondii SAG2 type III in an atypical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to perform genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii strain or variant causing atypical toxoplasmic uveitis in Indonesian patients.

Methods: Ocular fluid samples originating from 46 uveitis patients with non-specific ocular manifestations were analysed for Toxoplasma infection by PCR of the B1 locus. The clonal type was determined by amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of SAG2 and GRA6 loci in B1-positive samples. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records.

Results: Pan uveitis was the most frequent manifestation (65.2%) and mostly unilateral (76.1%). PCR of the B1 locus identified eight positive subjects (12.5%); six had panuveitis and two of these had diabetes mellitus. Phylogenetic analysis with maximum likelihood of the SAG2 locus in the B1-positive samples resulted in Toxoplasma gondii SAG2 type III allele. No positive result was obtained from the PCR of GRA6 locus.

Conclusion: Toxoplasma gondii SAG2-type III allele was identified in an atypical presentation of toxoplasmic uveitis in Indonesia.

Keywords: Aqueous humour; Clonal type; Toxoplasma SAG2; Uveitis.