Presumed acquired ocular toxoplasmosis in deer hunters

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