Purpose: To describe acquired ocular toxoplasmosis in deer hunters.
Methods and Results: The authors describe five young men presenting with fl
u-like symptoms followed by visual loss due to a unilateral, focal necrotiz
ing retinitis. All five men gave a history of ingesting undercooked or unco
oked venison. All five had elevated toxoplasma serology, and all five impro
ved clinically with an antitoxoplasma regimen.
Conclusion: In previously healthy young men, flu-like symptoms associated w
ith visual loss and retinitis should prompt questioning about hunting and r
aw game meat ingestion, especially when toxoplasmosis is suspected.