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Harvey J, Lee IJ, Lee CS, Hinkle D. Ocular syphilis on the rise: a 10-year analysis from 2010 to 2020. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:4419-4426. [PMID: 37773472 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of ocular syphilis as well as diagnostic parameters, comorbidities, and visual outcomes over a 10-year time period in West Virginia. METHODS A retrospective chart review included 25 eyes of 17 patients with ocular syphilis between 2010 and 2020. RESULTS The incidence of systemic syphilis at a large tertiary referral center has increased from 27 cases in 2010 to 105 cases in 2020. Seventeen patients were identified with ocular syphilis. Bilaterality was present in 47.1% of cases. In this study, 70.6% of patients were male and 29.4% were female. The median age of presentation was 40.2 years (range 21-63). Panuveitis was the most common (60.0%) followed by isolated anterior uveitis (16.0%), chorioretinitis (12.0%), inner retinitis (4.0%), and papillitis (8.0%). Forty percent of patients had visual acuity worse than 20/400 on presentation. Post-treatment visual acuity improved in all patients. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) tests were positive in 84.6% and 100% of cases, respectively. CSF venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) was positive in 36.4%, CSF pleocytosis was present in 72.7%, and elevated CSF protein was observed in 81.8%. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection was present in 31.3%. A majority of patients experienced maculopapular rash and/or history of genital chancre. The anatomic classification of presenting uveitis (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis) did not correlate with clinical variables including age, gender, HIV status, serologic test, presence of rash, or year of diagnosis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Ocular syphilis is becoming increasingly prevalent and can present with a variety of ocular findings; therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with ocular inflammation. Visual prognosis is excellent with timely diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Harvey
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Box 9193, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Ivan J Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Box 9193, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Chang Sup Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Box 9193, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - David Hinkle
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Box 9193, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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2
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Smit DP, Cunningham ET, Thorne JE, Tugal-Tutkun I. Ocular Syphilis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1313-1314. [PMID: 37669533 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2221622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick P Smit
- The Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emmett T Cunningham
- The Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- The Francis I. Proctor Foundation, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer E Thorne
- The Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Eye Protection Foundation Bayrampasa Eye Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Yaici R, Balasiu A, MacKenzie CR, Roth M, Beseoglu K, Holtmann C, Geerling G, Guthoff R. Ocular Syphilis: Experience over 11 Years at a German Ophthalmology Reference Centre. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:142-148. [PMID: 34797735 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1998547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In accordance with worldwide data, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has reported a constant increase of syphilis cases in Germany over the past decade. METHODS We analysed the data of all patients, referred to a Department of Ophthalmology in a tertiary referral centre in Düsseldorf, Germany between 2008 and 2019, who were tested for syphilis. The epidemiologic, demographic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data were retrieved from the records and evaluated in a retrospective, descriptive, non-comparative study. RESULTS Syphilis serology was positive in 32/1840 (1.7%) patients, and was evenly distributed over this period. 26 (81.3%) were male, 19 (59.4%) belonged to a risk group. Ocular syphilis was the primary diagnosis for 29 patients (90.6%). The most frequent manifestation was uveitis (n = 20, 62.5%). By the end of therapy, 19 patients (59.4%) had an improved visual acuity. CONCLUSION The incidence of ocular syphilis cases has remained stable over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yaici
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - A Balasiu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - C R MacKenzie
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - M Roth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - K Beseoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - C Holtmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - G Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - R Guthoff
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
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4
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Use of optical coherence tomography angiography in the uveitis clinic. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:23-36. [PMID: 35841398 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As optical coherence tomography angiography is revolutionizing the ophthalmology world, the uveitis community is learning to understand where and how this new powerful imaging tool fits into the management of the panorama of ocular inflammations and infections. A non-invasive method of studying the retinal and choroidal vasculature, OCTA allows for the assessment of vessel density changes during active and inactive uveitis making it the natural imaging application of choice in uveitis clinical trials. However, these data and results are of limited utility to the ophthalmologists who are looking to apply OCTA in their everyday uveitis clinic. If employed strategically, OCTA can be a powerful tool for the uveitis specialist to evaluate iris involvement in viral uveitis; to assess the integrity of the vascular layers in the settings of white dot syndromes; to distinguish inflammatory choroidal neovascularization from outer retinal avascular inflammatory material; and to diagnose and follow infectious choroidal granulomas and satellite foci of chorioretinal inflammation without the need to administer dyes. The present review will analyze all the recent publications that apply OCTA in uveitis to offer the reader a guide on how to maximize the utility of this imaging modality in a clinical practice.
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Seely M, Deaner JD, Vajzovic L. A Unique Case of Syphilitic Hypopyon Panophthalmitis. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2022; 6:308-311. [PMID: 37007919 PMCID: PMC9976037 DOI: 10.1177/24741264211066741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This work reports a unique case of syphilitic hypopyon panophthalmitis. Methods A case report is presented. Results A 25-year-old man with a history of HIV and intravenous (IV) drug use presented to an outside hospital with blurred vision and swelling of the right eye. Computed tomography was concerning for orbital cellulitis. On examination, he had limited extraocular motility, relative exophthalmos, periocular edema, 4+ anterior chamber cell, an irregular layering hypopyon, and no view of the fundus. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enhancement of the sclera, lateral rectus muscle, and lacrimal gland concerning for infectious or inflammatory panophthalmitis. The patient's history and presentation were concerning for bacterial or fungal etiologies from an endogenous source. He began antimicrobial therapy. Diagnostic vitrectomy was unrevealing. Syphilis testing was positive. The patient showed improvement with IV antiluetic therapy. Conclusions We present a case of syphilitic hypopyon panophthalmitis, a new constellation of findings in syphilitic ocular disease.
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Neri P, Pichi F. Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis: when the great mimicker cannot pretend any more; new insight of an old acquaintance. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2022; 12:9. [PMID: 35192047 PMCID: PMC8864036 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-022-00286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To review the multimodal imaging patterns of Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis (ASPPC).
Methods
A systematic review.
Results
Syphilis has started to attract the attention of researchers once again due to recent surges, with The World Health Organization (WHO) reporting around 12 million new cases per year. When left untreated, syphilis has a mortality rate of 8–58%, with a higher death rate in males. Eye manifestations occur both in secondary and tertiary stages of syphilis, although ocular involvement may occur at any stage of the disease.
Syphilis has been always recognized as “the great mimicker” since it can have multiple clinical patterns of presentation.
However, Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis (ASPPC) represents the typical pattern of the disease and can be easily distinguished.
In addition, the advent of modern technologies and the progress made in multimodal imaging have provided more details on its identikit: the pattern of pre-retinal, retinal, retinochoroidal and optic nerve involvement can be identified before going through the laboratory work-up for a correct and appropriate investigation of the disease.
Conclusion
This review highlights the peculiar pattern of ASPPC, by reporting the diagnostic process made by all the imaging techniques used for a correct multimodal imaging assessment.
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Chen C, Du KF, Xie LY, Jiang TY, Kong WJ, Dong HW, Guo CG, Li XN, Wei WB. Clinical Features of Ocular Pathology in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Syphilis. Adv Ther 2021; 38:3362-3372. [PMID: 34019246 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01755-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to analyze the clinical features of ocular pathology in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) combined with syphilis. METHODS A total of 129 patients with AIDS and syphilis who first visited the Department of Ophthalmology in Beijing YouAn Hospital between 2012 and 2019 were included in the study. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations, such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp, intraocular pressure, dilated fundus examination, and color fundus photography as well as systemic examinations related to AIDS and syphilis. The patients were divided into four groups according to fundus disease: a normal fundi group, an HIV-related microvascular retinopathy (MVR) group, a cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) group, and a syphilis-related retinopathy group. RESULTS The incidence of fundus disease was 70.7%. There were 36 patients with normal fundi (29.3%), 40 with HIV-related MVR (31.0%), 25 with CMVR (19.4%) (including 11 cases of CMVR with syphilis-related retinopathy), 26 (20.2%) with syphilis-related retinopathy, 1 (0.78%) case with acute retinal necrosis, and 1 (0.78%) case with PORN. The median blood CD4 + T-cell count in the syphilis-associated retinopathy group was 357.5 cells/μl, which was significantly higher than in the other groups; this difference was statistically significant. In the CMVR group, 11 cases with concomitant syphilis-associated retinopathy had lower BCVA and 10 (90.9%) had active inflammatory manifestations in the anterior segment. CONCLUSION The incidence of ocular pathology was high in patients co-infected with AIDS and syphilis, which might manifest in a variety of ocular manifestations; some patients may also have multiple ocular changes, which should be given great clinical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Kui-Fang Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lian-Yong Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tai-Yi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen-Jun Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hong-Wei Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chun-Gang Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiao-Na Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen-Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.1 Dongjiaomin Lane, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Sudharshan S, Menia NK, Selvamuthu P, Tyagi M, Kumarasamy N, Biswas J. Ocular syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 68:1887-1893. [PMID: 32823409 PMCID: PMC7690555 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1070_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Re-emergent ocular syphilis in patients with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection has both diagnostic and management difficulties because of the overlapping risk factors. The clinical manifestations described in non-HIV may not be the same in patients with HIV coinfection. Immune recovery uveitis (IRU) may also alter the course of the disease causing recurrences. We studied the clinical features in correlation with CD4 counts, systemic immune status, sexual preferences and management outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients with ocular syphilis in the highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) era from a high endemic HIV population like India. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with ocular syphilis and HIV/AIDS seen between 2016 and 2019 was done. Results: A total of 33 patients (56 eyes) with a CD4 count range of 42–612 cells/cu.mm were included. Ocular syphilis was found to be higher in individuals with high risk behavior such as men who have sex with men (MSMs) (45%). Panuveitis was the commonest manifestation (53.57%) and was even the presenting feature of HIV and syphilis in many patients. Significant vitritis, usually uncommon in HIV/AIDS immunocompromised patients was noted even with low CD4 counts in patients with ocular syphilis. Significant correlation was noted between ocular presentation and CD4 counts (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ocular syphilis presents differently in patients with HIV/AIDS. Diffuse retinitis is seen commonly in low counts (<100 cells/cu.mm). Classical placoid chorioretinitis lesions usually described in non-HIV individuals is uncommon in HIV patients and is seen in higher CD4 counts ( >400 cells/cu.mm). Ocular manifestations can be an indicator of the immune status of the patient. Not all patients with ocular manifestations have associated features of systemic syphilis. Ocular manifestations can be the first presentation of HIV/AIDS. Although, there is good response to systemic penicillin and HAART, recurrences and immune recovery uveitis (IRU) can also occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridharan Sudharshan
- Department of Uveitis, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Nitin K Menia
- Department of Uveitis, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Poongulali Selvamuthu
- VHS Infectious Diseases Medical Center, Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment (CART) Clinical Research Site (CRS), VHS, Chennai, India
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Uveitis and Ocular Immunology Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - N Kumarasamy
- VHS Infectious Diseases Medical Center, Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment (CART) Clinical Research Site (CRS), VHS, Chennai, India
| | - Jyotirmay Biswas
- Department of Uveitis, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
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9
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Queiroz RDP, Smit DP, Peters RPH, Vasconcelos-Santos DV. Double Trouble: Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Ocular Syphilis in HIV-infected Individuals. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1040-1048. [PMID: 32657637 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1772839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis and HIV infection may coexist in the same individual. Ocular syphilis and/or neurosyphilis may develop at any stage of coinfection, with a stronger association between ocular and neurosyphilis in individuals living with HIV, than in HIV-uninfected individuals. The diagnosis of ocular syphilis in HIV-infected and -uninfected patients remains with some controversy due to unspecific clinical manifestations and limited diagnostic tests. Penicillin is the mainstay of treatment of ocular syphilis, but alternative options are warranted. This review describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by ocular syphilis against the background of HIV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Pinho Queiroz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Uveitis Unit, Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Derrick P Smit
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit , East London, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria , Pretoria, South Africa.,CAPHRI School of Public Health & Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Vitor Vasconcelos-Santos
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Uveitis Unit, Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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10
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Testi I, Mahajan S, Agrawal R, Agarwal A, Marchese A, Curi A, Khairallah M, Leo YS, Nguyen QD, Gupta V. Management of Intraocular Infections in HIV. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1099-1108. [PMID: 32162992 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1727533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Overview of treatment options for the most common intraocular opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), including ocular syphilis, ocular tuberculosis, toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, and viral retinitis. Method: Narrative Review. Results: Despite the huge advances in the development of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) for the management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, opportunistic infections still represent a significant diagnostic dilemma and cause of ocular morbidity in patients with HIV. Conclusion: Although the treatment of intraocular infections in patients with AIDS may be challenging, prompt assessment of the clinical features and appropriate aggressive management of the underlying etiology are critical to avoid life and vision threatening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Testi
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK
| | - Sarakshi Mahajan
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University , Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK.,National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital , Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aniruddha Agarwal
- Advanced Eye Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh, India
| | - Alessandro Marchese
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele , Milan, Italy
| | - Andre Curi
- Research Laboratory of Infectious Diseases in Ophthalmology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Moncef Khairallah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir , Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- National Center for Infectious Disease, Tan Tock Seng Hospital , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University , Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Vishali Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh, India
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Abstract
Purpose: To review the broad spectrum of clinical neuro-ophthalmic presentations associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: Critical review of the literature regarding neuro-ophthalmic consequences of HIV infection and its sequelae. Results: Neuro-ophthalmological diseases are common in both asymptomatic HIV-positive patients and those who profound immunosuppression with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of HIV infection can involve the afferent or efferent visual pathway. Common clinical presentations include headache, papilledema, chorioretinitis, optic nerve involvement, meningitis, and cranial nerve palsies. Other neuro-ophthalmic manifestations include involvement of the visual pathway in the brain producing visual field defects such as occur in progressive multifocal encephalopathy. Pupil abnormalities have also been reported. Discussion: Neuro-ophthalmic consequences of HIV are important to recognize as it is critical to identify underlying neoplastic or infectious diseases which could be amenable to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn K Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Smit D, De Graaf M, Meyer D, de Groot-Mijnes JDF. Immunoblot and Polymerase Chain Reaction to Diagnose Ocular Syphilis and Neurosyphilis in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Patients. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1049-1055. [PMID: 31944129 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1698753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate immunoblot (IB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose ocular- and neurosyphilis. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. Aqueous humor (AH) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested for treponemal DNA or antibodies to treponemal antigens. Results: Thirteen of 106 cases had positive syphilis serology of which 69.2% were HIV+ (median CD4+ = 181 cells/µL). Four cases met CDC criteria for neurosyphilis (3 confirmed, 1 probable) and 2 additional cases required neurosyphilis treatment according to UpToDate algorithms. All AH and CSF samples tested PCR negative. Five cases were CSF IB+ and 3 cases AH IB+. Using our classification, eight patients had confirmed neurosyphilis, one had probable neurosyphilis, three had confirmed ocular syphilis and nine had probable ocular syphilis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IB of AH and CSF provides additional evidence to diagnose ocular and neurosyphilis and allows us to classify them as probable or confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Smit
- Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie De Graaf
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David Meyer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Pichi F, Neri P. Multimodal imaging patterns of posterior syphilitic uveitis: a review of the literature, laboratory evaluation and treatment. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 40:1319-1329. [PMID: 31927680 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01285-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the multimodal imaging patterns of posterior syphilitic uveitis. METHODS A systematic review. RESULTS The percentage of syphilis has started to increase again: The World Health Organization has reported 12 million new cases of syphilis each year. In addition, syphilis was responsible for 0.3% of deaths globally in 2002. Eye manifestations happen prevalently in secondary and tertiary stages of syphilis, even though ocular involvement can occur in all stages. Syphilis has the nickname: "the great imitator" since it has no unique clinical presentation, even though posterior uveitis is considered the most common form. Syphilis is known as "the great imitator," making its diagnosis in the presence of posterior uveitis particularly challenging as it presents similarly to other ocular conditions such as acute retinal necrosis. However, with the advent of multimodal imaging some particular patterns of pre-retinal, retinal, retinochoroidal and optic nerve involvement from syphilis can be identified to guide the diagnosis and the laboratory workup. CONCLUSION This review highlights the various patterns of pre-retinal precipitates, multifocal retinitis, retinochoroiditis (confluent and placoid) and optic neuritis caused by syphilis, the appropriate laboratory work to be obtained and the treatment to be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, PO Box 112412, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
| | - Piergiorgio Neri
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, PO Box 112412, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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14
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Majumder PD, Mayilvakanam L, Palker AH, Sridharan S, Biswas J. Intravitreal sustained-release dexamethasone implant for the treatment of persistent cystoid macular edema in ocular syphilis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2019; 67:1487-1490. [PMID: 31436209 PMCID: PMC6727693 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1795_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With a resurgence of syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in last few years, various ocular manifestations of syphilis have been described in literature. This case report described an HIV-positive patient on anti-retroviral therapy who was diagnosed and treated for posterior uveitis secondary to ocular syphilis in the recent past presented to our clinic with cystoid macular edema (CME). CME, which did not respond to periocular corticosteroid, resolved with intravitreal sustained release dexamethasone implant. There was a recurrence CME 9 months later and repeat injection of intravitreal implant showed complete resolution. A long-term follow-up did not reveal reactivation of the infection with intravitreal corticosteroid. Intravitreal sustained release dexamethasone implant can be an effective treatment for refractory CME in patients with regressed syphilitic uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lakshmi Mayilvakanam
- Department of Uvea and Medical Retina, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amit H Palker
- Department of Uvea and Medical Retina, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudharshan Sridharan
- Department of Uvea, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jyotirmay Biswas
- Department of Uvea, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Vadboncoeur J, Labbé AC, Fortin C, Serhir B, Rabia Y, Najem K, Jaworski L, Aubin MJ. Ocular syphilis: case series (2000-2015) from 2 tertiary care centres in Montreal, Canada. Can J Ophthalmol 2019; 55:30-37. [PMID: 31712031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the demographics, clinical presentation, proportion of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and treatment of patients with ocular syphilis seen at the ophthalmology department of 2 tertiary centres in Montreal, Canada. DESIGN Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A total of 169 eyes of 115 patients, seen between 2000 and 2015, with a positive syphilis treponemal serology and a likely syphilis-related ophthalmologic diagnosis. Subgroup analysis was performed between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. RESULTS Mean age of onset was 55 years, and 79% were male. Mean presenting logMAR visual acuity was 0.7. HIV status was available for 66%, of whom 49% were HIV-infected. The anatomical ocular diagnoses included isolated anterior uveitis (18%) and posterior segment involvement (42%). Both eyes were affected in 47%. Lumbar puncture (LP) was performed in 55%, of whom 22% had a positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Antibiotherapy, consisting of intravenous penicillin alone or in addition to intramuscular benzathine penicillin, was administered in 65 patients (69%). Treatment allowed a visual improvement of -0.23 logMAR. HIV-infected patients were younger men (p < 0.01) and had more abnormal CSF analysis (p = 0.02), but there were no statistically significant differences in the anatomical location of ocular inflammation or visual function improvement. CONCLUSIONS Given its varied presentations, syphilis must always be part of the differential diagnosis of intraocular inflammation. HIV testing and an LP are required in the evaluation of ocular syphilis, which should be treated as neurosyphilis with the appropriate regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie-Claude Labbé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR), CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que.; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Que
| | - Claude Fortin
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Que.; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Que
| | - Bouchra Serhir
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que
| | - Yasmine Rabia
- Ophthalmology Resident, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Que
| | - Kinda Najem
- Department of Ophthalmology, CUO-HMR, CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que
| | | | - Marie-Josée Aubin
- Department of Ophthalmology, CUO-HMR, CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que.; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Que
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Klein A, Fischer N, Goldstein M, Shulman S, Habot‐Wilner Z. The great imitator on the rise: ocular and optic nerve manifestations in patients with newly diagnosed syphilis. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:e641-e647. [PMID: 30328249 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular manifestations of syphilis have been reported in 2-10% of systemic infection. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of ocular syphilis and various ocular manifestations, particularly optic nerve involvement, in newly diagnosed cases. METHODS This was a retrospective study. Medical records of newly diagnosed syphilis patients between January 2009 and January 2017 in a tertiary medical centre were reviewed. RESULTS There were 123 new systemic syphilis cases out of 569,222 (0.02%) admissions to the Tel Aviv Medical Center during the study period. Ninety-three of the 123 patients (76%) underwent ophthalmological examination. Twenty-three of the 93 patients (25%, mean age 48.6 ± 12.9 years, 20 males) had ocular syphilis, and in 12/23 (52%) patients, the ocular symptoms and findings prompted syphilis investigation. Eighteen of the 23 (78%) had optic nerve involvement, and the most common was inflammatory disc oedema. Older age (p = 0.0005) and tertiary stage disease (p = 0.0441) were associated with ocular manifestations and the presence of optic nerve findings. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was associated with ocular but not optic nerve findings. Treatment included intravenous penicillin G, and four patients with severe optic neuropathy were also treated with systemic corticosteroids. Visual acuity significantly improved in most patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Ocular syphilis was found in one-quarter of the patients diagnosed with systemic syphilis and preceded the diagnosis of systemic disease in one-half of them. Optic nerve involvement was a common manifestation. A high index of suspicion for Treponema infection is required in patients presenting with optic nerve involvement to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment. Post-treatment visual outcome was good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainat Klein
- Division of Ophthalmology Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Naomi Fischer
- Division of Ophthalmology Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Michaella Goldstein
- Division of Ophthalmology Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Shiri Shulman
- Division of Ophthalmology Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Zohar Habot‐Wilner
- Division of Ophthalmology Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
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Queiroz RDP, Inês DV, Diligenti FT, Schnor VH, Melamed J, Campos WR, Vasconcelos-Santos DV. The ghost of the great imitator: prognostic factors for poor outcome in syphilitic uveitis. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2019; 9:2. [PMID: 30659387 PMCID: PMC6338615 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-019-0169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilitic uveitis is reemerging globally, may lead to any type of intraocular inflammation, and is potentially sight-threatening. We aim to characterize clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with syphilitic posterior uveitis. METHODS Retrospective chart review at two tertiary university-based referral centers in Brazil. Clinical data, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. RESULTS Forty-four patients (81 eyes) were consecutively diagnosed with syphilitic posterior uveitis between March 2011 and April 2013.Thirty-one were male (70.5%) and the mean age was 43.8 years (range 15-81). HIV confection was disclosed in 12 patients (29.3%). The most prevalent finding was vitritis (85.2%), followed by retinal involvement (76.4%) and optic disc abnormalities (63.5%). After treatment, mean visual acuity improved from 1.2 (20/320) to 0.6 (20/80; median 20/30), but 19 eyes (23.5%) persisted with ≤ 1.0 (20/200). Factors associated with final visual acuity ≤ 1.0 despite therapy were prior use of systemic corticosteroids (p = 0.001), higher Venereal Disease Research Laboratory titers (p = 0.004), longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.024), and worse initial VA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Syphilitic uveitis is reemerging. Delayed diagnosis and inadvertent use of systemic corticosteroids are potentially modifiable prognostic factors to be considered for possibly improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Pinho Queiroz
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena 190. Sala 199, Belo Horizonte, MG 30.130-100 Brazil
- Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde – Infectologia e Medicina Tropical – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele Viana Inês
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena 190. Sala 199, Belo Horizonte, MG 30.130-100 Brazil
| | - Felipe Telöken Diligenti
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victor Haygert Schnor
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jacobo Melamed
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Wesley Ribeiro Campos
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena 190. Sala 199, Belo Horizonte, MG 30.130-100 Brazil
- Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Vítor Vasconcelos-Santos
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena 190. Sala 199, Belo Horizonte, MG 30.130-100 Brazil
- Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde – Infectologia e Medicina Tropical – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to highlight recent changes in opportunistic ocular infections (OOIs) in the era of modern combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), in the setting of HIV-infected patients. RECENT FINDINGS Improvements in modern cART has led to a progressive decline in the incidence of OOIs and mortality among patients with AIDS. Not only has there been a decreasing incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, but there also has been a decline in progression of such retinitis when it does occur in AIDS patients, since the introduction of cART. Nevertheless, CMV retinitis remains the major cause of vision loss in AIDS patients. Although the incidence of CMV retinitis has declined overall, the incidence of ocular syphilis has increased during the cART era. Moreover, the impact of having HIV plays a role with respect to multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis and has resulted in a high prevalence of presumed ocular tuberculosis in HIV/MDR-TB co-infected patients. Although immune reconstitution uveitis (IRU) has been an important cause of visual deficits in developed countries, OOIs remain an important cause of blindness in the developing world. SUMMARY Reconstituting the immune system with effective cART while increasing accessibility of screening examinations is key to the success of blindness prevent in HIV-infected individuals, particularly in developing countries.
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Lapere S, Mustak H, Steffen J. Clinical Manifestations and Cerebrospinal Fluid Status in Ocular Syphilis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:126-130. [PMID: 30230943 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1521436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid findings and outcomes of patients diagnosed with ocular syphilis. METHODS Retrospective case review of all patients treated with ocular syphilis at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa between January 2008 and January 2013. RESULTS A total of 77 eyes of 49 patients were included. Panuveitis was the most common presenting sign (48.9%). A lumbar puncture was performed on 37 patients (75.5%) and 64.8% (24/37) of samples had positive treponemal testing (CSF-FTA) while 24.3% (9/37) had positive non-treponemal testing (CSF-VDRL). Elevated CSF lymphocyte cell count was a strong predictor of neurosyphilis (p = 0.06 for CSF-FTA positive samples and p = 0.03 for CSF-VDRL positive samples). CONCLUSION The majority of patients (64.8%) who underwent lumbar puncture had cerebrospinal fluid findings suggestive of neurosyphilis. Elevated CSF lymphocyte cell count and total protein count are highly suggestive of neurosyphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lapere
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Hamzah Mustak
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Jonel Steffen
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
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20
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Smit DP, Esterhuizen TM, Meyer D, de Boer JH, de Groot-Mijnes JDF. The Etiology of Intraocular Inflammation in HIV Positive and HIV Negative Adults at a Tertiary Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:203-210. [PMID: 29847196 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1476555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the patterns of uveitis in South Africa. METHODS Prospective cross-sectional study. RESULTS One hundred and six patients were enrolled and 37.7% had human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) infection. Anterior and panuveitis occurred most frequently. Infectious, non-infectious and idiopathic uveitis were diagnosed in 66.0%, 17.0% and 17.0% of all cases, respectively. Eighty percent of HIV+ cases had infectious uveitis. Overall, intraocular tuberculosis (IOTB), herpetic and syphilitic uveitis were the commonest infectious causes. Sarcoidosis and HLA-B27-associated uveitis were the commonest non-infectious causes. In anterior uveitis, HIV+ cases most frequently had probable IOTB, syphilitic or idiopathic uveitis while HIV- cases had possible IOTB, idiopathic or HLA-B27-associated uveitis. In panuveitis, HIV+ cases mostly had syphilis, probable IOTB, toxoplasma and varicella-zoster virus whereas HIV- cases mostly had possible IOTB, sarcoidosis and idiopathic uveitis. CONCLUSION Infectious uveitis is common in South Africa, especially amongst HIV+ patients. Causes of anterior and panuveitis differ between HIV+ and HIV- patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick P Smit
- a Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Tonya M Esterhuizen
- b Biostatistics Unit, Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - David Meyer
- a Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Joke H de Boer
- c Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
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21
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Smit DP, Meyer D, Esterhuizen TM, De Groot-Mijnes JDF. Polymerase Chain Reaction and Goldmann-Witmer Coefficient Testing in the Diagnosis of Infectious Uveitis in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients in South Africa. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2017; 27:189-196. [PMID: 29283745 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2017.1407802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) calculation to diagnose infectious uveitis. METHODS Prospective cross-sectional study. RESULTS Twenty-seven of 106 patients had positive PCR and/or GWC results on aqueous humor (AH) sampling and 15 of 27 (55.6%) were HIV-positive. Patients with non-anterior uveitis (NAU) were more likely to be HIV+ (p = 0.005). More than 1 possible pathogen was identified in 9 of 27 patients of whom 7 were HIV+. The final clinical diagnosis was discordant with AH findings in 9 of 27 cases. A positive EBV PCR result was associated with a discordant diagnosis (p = 0.001). All cases of herpetic anterior uveitis (42.9% HIV+) tested PCR-/GWC+ while all cases of herpetic NAU tested PCR+/GWC- (83.3% HIV+). All rubella virus cases were PCR+/GWC+. CONCLUSION PCR is useful to diagnose herpetic NAU in HIV+ patients while GWC is useful to diagnose herpetic anterior uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick P Smit
- a Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - David Meyer
- a Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Tonya M Esterhuizen
- b Biostatistics Unit, Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
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Abstract
Ocular syphilis is not a new issue but due to increasing rates of new cases is now a contemporary issue. The clinical features are unspecific and can be manifested as all forms of ocular inflammation. Unspecific anterior uveitis is the most frequent ocular involvement; however, typical distinctive patterns are superficial white preretinal precipitates within a panuveitis and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. The diagnosis should be confirmed by serological tests. Treatment is based on parenteral administration of penicillin.
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Yan Y, Wang J, Qu B, Zhang Y, Wei Y, Liu H, Wu C. CXCL13 and TH1/Th2 cytokines in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of neurosyphilis patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8850. [PMID: 29381995 PMCID: PMC5708994 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosyphilis is a chronic infectious disease with involvement of central nervous system infection by Treponema pallidum. This study was to investigate the contents of B lymphocyte chemokine 1 (BLC-1/chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 13), Th1 cytokines (Interleukin [IL]-2, IL-12, and Interferon [IFN]-γ), and Th2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of HIV-negative patients with neurosyphilis before and after treatment, aiming to elucidate roles of CXCL13 and Th1/Th2 cytokines in immune response to and pathogenesis of neurosyphilis.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect the contents of CXCL13, IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 in serum and CSF of 47 HIV-negative patients with neurosyphilis, 36 syphilis patients without neurological involvement and 23 controls (noninfectious intracranial disease) before, 3 and 12 months after treatment with high dose penicillin.Results showed that there was no significant difference in blood CXCL13 content among 3 groups (P > .05); CSF CXCL13 content in neurosyphilis patients was significantly higher than in other 2 groups (P < .001), and positively related to leucocyte count, protein concentration, and IgG index. IL-6 and IL-10 contents of the serum and CSF in neurosyphilis patients were markedly higher than in other 2 groups (P < .05 or .01), but IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ of the serum and CSF were significantly lower than in other 2 groups (P < .05 or .01). The IL-6, IL-10, IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ contents of the serum and CSF were comparable between control group and syphilis group (P > .05). CSF CXCL13 content was positively related with IL-6 and IL-10 content, while negatively related to IL-12 content in neurosyphilis patients. CSF IL-6 content was negatively related with IL-12 content. In neurosyphilis patients, the CSF CXCL13 content reduced significantly at 3 and 12 months (P < .001), the CSF IL-2 and IL-12 contents increased significantly at 12 months, and CSF IL-6 contents reduced significantly at 12 months after treatment (P < .05 or .01).It is concluded that neurosyphilis patients did not have normal immune function. CXCL13 and Th1/Th2 cytokines are involved in the immune response of neurosyphilis patients. CSF CXCL13 and Th1/Th2 cytokines contents may be used for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of neurosyphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bin Qu
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Clinical College of Medical University of Anhui, Hangzhou Third Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Dutta Majumder P, Chen EJ, Shah J, Ching Wen Ho D, Biswas J, See Yin L, Gupta V, Pavesio C, Agrawal R. Ocular Syphilis: An Update. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2017; 27:117-125. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2017.1371765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth J. Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janika Shah
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dawn Ching Wen Ho
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jyotirmay Biswas
- Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Leo See Yin
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vishali Gupta
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Carlos Pavesio
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Zhu J, Jiang Y, Shi Y, Zheng B, Xu Z, Jia W. Clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of syphilitic uveitis in HIV-negative patients in China: A retrospective case study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8376. [PMID: 29069031 PMCID: PMC5671864 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilitic chorioretinitis should be included in differential diagnosis of any form of ocular inflammation. A significantly higher proportion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with ocular syphilis as compared to HIV-negative cases have been reported in published studies. However, the clinical signs and symptoms are more insidious in HIV-negative patients who are easily misdiagnosed. We report a series of cases of ocular syphilis and describe the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of syphilitic chorioretinitis in HIV-negative patients in China.This was a retrospective case series study. The clinical records of patients with syphilis chorioretinitis were reviewed. Demographic information and findings of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were analyzed. All patients received the standard treatment. Ophthalmology examination and laboratory evaluation were repeated every 3 months. All changes were recorded. The treatment was considered successful if the patients had no inflammation in both eyes and rapid plasma reagin titer was negative after therapy.The study examined 41 eyes of 28 HIV-negative patients. The main complaints were blurry vision, floaters, and visual field defect. Twenty-seven eyes presented with panuveitis, and all had posterior involvement, including uveitis, vasculitis, chorioretinitis, and optic neuritis. The most common manifestations were uveitis and retinal vasculitis. Disc hyperfluorescence and persistent dark spots were the most common findings on FFA and ICGA. The ill-defined inner segment/outer segment junction was the most frequent manifestation on SD-OCT. Patients were diagnosed with syphilitic uveitis based on positive serological tests. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved in 34 eyes after treatment. Eleven patients were misdiagnosed before serological tests were performed. The delay in treatment led to long-standing cystoid macular edema and optic neuropathy, which were associated with poor BCVA (P = .037).The common manifestations of syphilitic chorioretinitis were uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic neuritis. Further diagnosis should be prompted by FFA, ICGA, and SD-OCT when ocular manifestation is suspected. The standard treatment for neurosyphilis was effective. If patients are presumed to be in low-risk groups such as HIV-negative, delays in diagnosis, and therapy may be likely. It is necessary to reiterate the importance of including syphilis uveitis as a differential diagnosis for any form of ocular inflammations, especially posterior uveitis and optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
| | - Yewen Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
| | - Zhiguo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
| | - Wei Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Guangren Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine
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Albini T, Callaway NF, Pershing S, Wang SK, Moshfeghi AA, Moshfeghi DM. Trends in Hospitalization and Incidence Rate for Syphilitic Uveitis in the United States From 1998 to 2009. Am J Ophthalmol 2017; 180:133-141. [PMID: 28549847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluates the annual incidence of syphilitic uveitis in the US and trends in hospital admissions over time. DESIGN Retrospective, longitudinal incidence rate analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 1998 to 2009. METHODS The NIS is a de-identified, random sample dataset of inpatient hospitalizations from 46 states. The number of cases of syphilitic uveitis was defined by (1) International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) code for syphilis and uveitis or (2) ICD-9 code for syphilitic uveitis. Annual case count, incidence rate, and trend over time were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associated factors for a syphilitic uveitis diagnosis. RESULTS The study included 455 310 286 hospitalizations during a 12-year study period with a mean of 37 942 524 patients annually. Syphilis and uveitis was recorded for 1861 patients (155 annually) and syphilitic uveitis was diagnosed in 204 subjects (average of 17 cases annually). There was no change in the incidence of syphilitic uveitis, using either definition, over the study period (P for trend = .46). The mean annual incidence of syphilis and uveitis was 0.0004%, or 4 per million. Syphilitic uveitis had an annual incidence of 0.000045%, or 0.45 per million. The odds of syphilitic uveitis were lower among women (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, CI 0.28-0.57) and increased with comorbid acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (OR 4.52, CI 3.01-6.79). CONCLUSIONS We report the first incidence of syphilitic uveitis in the United States. Fortunately, this remains a rare condition. The results demonstrate no change in the number of inpatient admissions for syphilitic uveitis during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Natalia F Callaway
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Suzann Pershing
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Sean K Wang
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Andrew A Moshfeghi
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida; USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Darius M Moshfeghi
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.
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Zhang T, Zhu Y, Xu G. Clinical Features and Treatments of Syphilitic Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:6594849. [PMID: 28751982 PMCID: PMC5511639 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6594849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the clinical features and efficacies of treatments for syphilitic uveitis. METHODS PubMed was searched for studies of syphilitic uveitis published between January 1990 and October 2016. The clinical features were summarized and appraised. The pooled success rate was defined as an improved or maintained final visual acuity and was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed. RESULTS Thirty-two studies involving 670 patients were analyzed. The most common type of syphilitic uveitis was papillitis. The pooled success rate was 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.97) for antibacterial agents alone (15 studies, 286 patients); 0.95 (95% CI 0.91-0.98) for antibacterial agents and systemic corticosteroids combined (11 studies, 245 patients); and 0.91 (95% CI 0.80-0.98) for antibacterial agents, systemic corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants combined (3 studies, 73 patients). Subgroup analyses revealed no correlations of the efficacy of antibacterial agent monotherapy with study characteristics, such as human immunodeficiency virus coinfection status. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed the efficacy of antibacterial agents for treating syphilitic uveitis. Coadministration of systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants did not elicit further improvements in the clinical outcomes of antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and Ear Nose Throat Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiang Ya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and Ear Nose Throat Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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Chronopoulos A, Roquelaure D, Souteyrand G, Seebach JD, Schutz JS, Thumann G. Aqueous humor polymerase chain reaction in uveitis - utility and safety. BMC Ophthalmol 2016; 16:189. [PMID: 27793120 PMCID: PMC5084402 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0369-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To study the value and safety of aqueous humor polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for Herpes simplex, varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Toxoplasma gondii in patients with uveitis. Methods Records of 45 consecutive patients with anterior and posterior uveitis who underwent AC paracentesis with PCR were reviewed. The main outcome measure was frequency of PCR positivity. Secondary outcomes were alteration of treatment, safety of paracentesis, and correlation of keratitic precipitates with PCR positivity, Results The overall PCR positivity was 48.9 % (22/45). Therapy was changed because of the PCR results in 14/45 patients (37.7 %). One patient experienced a paracentesis related complication (1/45, 2.2 %) without long-term sequelae. Conclusion Aqueous PCR altered the diagnosis and treatment in over a third of our patients and was relatively safe. Aqueous PCR should be considered for uveitis of atypical clinical appearance, recurrent severe uveitis of uncertain etiology, and therapy refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios Chronopoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Roquelaure
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georges Souteyrand
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Dieter Seebach
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James Scott Schutz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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Schaftenaar E, Meenken C, Baarsma GS, Khosa NS, Luijendijk A, McIntyre JA, Osterhaus ADME, Verjans GMGM, Peters RPH. Uveitis is predominantly of infectious origin in a high HIV and TB prevalence setting in rural South Africa. Br J Ophthalmol 2016; 100:1312-6. [PMID: 27307174 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-308645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the burden of disease in a unique sample of patients with uveitis from a rural South African setting. METHODS Data in this cross-sectional study were collected from patients presenting with uveitis (n=103) at the ophthalmology outpatient department of three hospitals in rural South Africa. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and laboratory analysis of aqueous humour, serological evaluation and routine diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) were performed. RESULTS Sixty-six (64%) participants were HIV infected. Uveitis was predominantly of infectious origin (72%) followed by idiopathic (16%) and autoimmune (12%). Infectious uveitis was attributed to herpes virus (51%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (24%) and Treponema pallidum (7%) infection. HIV-infected individuals were more likely to have infectious aetiology of uveitis compared with HIV-uninfected individuals (83% vs 51%; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Microbial aetiology of uveitis is common in areas where HIV and TB are endemic. In these settings, a high index of suspicion for infectious origin of uveitis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Schaftenaar
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christina Meenken
- Department of Ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ad Luijendijk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James A McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Albert D M E Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Georges M G M Verjans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Abstract
As Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease (AIDS) turns thirty-years old, much progress has been made. 56,000 new cases of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection are expected in Americans this year. At least half or more will be in African Americans. Reports of the association between syphilis and HIV infection are well documented. We present a case of bilateral optic neuritis and panuveitis as the initial presentation in a previously undiagnosed patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review current literature relevant to syphilitic uveitis utilizing Medline search and online governmental resources relevant to the diagnosis and management of syphilis presenting with ocular manifestations. RECENT FINDINGS There is a trend for increasing frequency of primary and secondary syphilis in developed countries, especially in young men. Ocular manifestations of syphilis are rare, occurring in less than one in 1 million persons in the United Kingdom. Distinctive patterns of syphilitic uveitis include white, focal preretinal opacities, and acute posterior placoid uveitis. Enhanced imaging can facilitate clinical diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis remains serologic. The Centers for Disease Control currently recommends reverse sequence testing with initial treponemal antibodies, followed by a quantitative nontreponemal test, which, if negative, triggers a confirmatory treponemal pallidum agglutination test. Persons testing positive for syphilis should also be tested for HIV. Recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for treatment are unchanged: all ocular syphilis should be treated according to neurosyphilis regimens and should receive cerebrospinal fluid testing. SUMMARY Increased case numbers of syphilitic uveitis have stimulated interest in this old disease. This locally destructive ocular inflammation with the potential for severe systemic complications is curable with treatment and should have the highest priority for prompt recognition and treatment.
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Schaftenaar E, van Gorp ECM, Meenken C, Osterhaus ADME, Remeijer L, Struthers HE, McIntyre JA, Baarsma GS, Verjans GMGM, Peters RPH. Ocular infections in sub-Saharan Africa in the context of high HIV prevalence. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 19:1003-14. [PMID: 25039335 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Healthy eyes and good vision are important determinants of populations' health across the globe. Sub-Saharan Africa is affected by simultaneous epidemics of ocular infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ocular infection and its complications, along with cataract and ocular trauma, are common conditions in this region with great impact on daily life. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and microbial aetiology of the most important infectious ocular conditions in sub-Saharan Africa: conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis. We focus specifically on the potential association of these infections with HIV infection, including immune recovery uveitis. Finally, challenges and opportunities for clinical management are discussed, and recommendations made to improve care in this neglected but very important clinical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Schaftenaar
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Tzaneen, South Africa; Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cho YW, Kim CR, Han YS, Chung IY, Park JM. Clinical Manifestations of Ocular Syphilis Combined with Neurosyphilis. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2014. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2014.55.4.602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wun Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Che Ron Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Yong Seop Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
- Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - In Young Chung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
- Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jong Moon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
- Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
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Yap SC, Tan YL, Chio MTW, Teoh SC. Syphilitic Uveitis in a Singaporean Population. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2013; 22:9-14. [DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2013.829106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Turchetti P, Pacella F, Pacella E, Mirisola C, Uccella I. An immunocompetent migrant presenting with neurosyphilis with an unusual unilateral papillitis: a case report. Eur J Med Res 2012; 17:3. [PMID: 22472320 PMCID: PMC3337542 DOI: 10.1186/2047-783x-17-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unilateral papillitis caused by Treponema pallidum was found in an immunocompetent homosexual patient with severe vision loss who had received previous antibiotics treatment. Syphilis-related ocular manifestation is more common in the early stages of the disease and it can be associated with a central nervous system localization. In this patient, neurosyphilis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Optical examination revealed unilateral papillitis in the left eye and no relative afferent pupillary defects. The patient underwent visual field examinations with conventional perimetry using the 30-2 program of the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, which indicated a blind spot enlargement in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography, visual evoked potentials (VEP), and fluorescein angiograms revealed inflammation of the optic nerve head with edematous and blurred margins. A reactive T. pallidum hemagglutination assay with low rapid plasma reagin (RPR) serum titer was performed; an HIV antibody test and MRI of the orbits and head with contrast gave negative results. Resolution of the ocular inflammation after intravenous penicillin treatment was obtained. The reported case illustrates the importance of early recognition of this treatable disease. The rise of syphilis, especially in urban areas, necessitates a high level of suspicion when dealing with patients with intraocular inflammation of unknown origin. Lues serology should be incorporated into routine laboratory diagnostics to aid in the detection of such cases. Considering the re-emergence of syphilis, screening of migrants from countries with high syphilis seroprevalences should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Turchetti
- National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP/NIHMP), Rome, Italy
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The eye in sexually transmitted infections: a review of the ocular complications of venereal diseases. Int Ophthalmol 2012; 31:539-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10792-011-9501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Posterior syphilitic uveitis: clinical characteristics, co-infection with HIV, response to treatment. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2011; 55:486-494. [DOI: 10.1007/s10384-011-0053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tucker JD, Li JZ, Robbins GK, Davis BT, Lobo AM, Kunkel J, Papaliodis GN, Durand ML, Felsenstein D. Ocular syphilis among HIV-infected patients: a systematic analysis of the literature. Sex Transm Infect 2011; 87:4-8. [PMID: 20798396 PMCID: PMC3103105 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2010.043042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular syphilis among HIV-infected patients continues to be a problem in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. However, outside of case reports or small case series, little is known about the clinical, laboratory, and treatment outcomes of these patients. Objective To examine the literature on HIV-infected patients and determine the results of treatment. METHODS Systematic review of cases series and case reports among HIV-infected individuals with ocular syphilis. Reviews, languages other than English and pre-1980 reports were excluded. The effect of CD4 count and virological suppression on clinical manifestations and diagnostic laboratory values was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 101 HIV-infected individuals in case series and case reports were identified. Ocular syphilis led to the HIV diagnosis in 52% of cases, including patients with CD4 count >200 cells/mm(3). Posterior uveitis was significantly more common in individuals with CD4 count <200 cells/mm(3) (p = 0.002). Three patients with confirmed ocular syphilis had negative non-treponemal tests. Ninety-seven per cent of patients with visual impairment improved following intravenous penicillin or ceftriaxone. CONCLUSIONS Non-treponemal tests may be negative in HIV-infected patients with ocular syphilis. Ocular syphilis remains an important clinical manifestation that can lead to initial HIV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Tucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRJ-504, Boston 02114, USA.
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Abstract
Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, disseminates to the central nervous system within days after exposure. Clinical manifestations can occur during any stage of the infection, and include asymptomatic neurosyphilis, acute meningeal syphilis, meningovascular syphilis, paretic neurosyphilis, and tabetic neurosyphilis. The majority of cases are reported in HIV-infected patients but the epidemiology of modern neurosyphilis is not well defined because of the paucity of population-based data. Decreasing reports of late neurosyphilis have been countered with increasing reports of early neurologic involvement. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapy of neurosyphilis, focusing on areas of continued controversy, and highlighting several important questions that remain unanswered. Since 2000, the rates of syphilis continue to increase. Given the effectiveness of penicillin therapy, these trends suggest a failure of prevention. Regrettably, rather than become an infection of historical significance, syphilis in the era of HIV continues to challenge researchers and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil G Ghanem
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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