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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:45
Procedures for In Vitro Cultivation of Treponema pallidum, the Syphilis Spirochete
Published on: January 24, 2025
Syphilis and the monk
Alejandra Decanini-Mancera1, Simmons Lessell, Michael S Lee
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|November 9, 2010
Summary
Primary orbital aspergillosis, a fungal infection, can affect healthy individuals and presents diagnostic challenges. Early suspicion and antifungal treatment are crucial for better outcomes in optic neuropathy cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Primary orbital aspergillosis is rare in immunocompetent individuals.
- It poses diagnostic challenges due to non-specific symptoms and imaging findings.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old man presented with unilateral optic neuropathy.
- Initial treatments for presumed inflammation and infection were ineffective, leading to clinical deterioration.
Findings:
- A repeat biopsy confirmed orbital aspergillosis as the cause of optic neuropathy.
- Despite antifungal treatment, the patient's outcome was unfavorable.
Implications:
- Orbital aspergillosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in unexplained optic neuropathies.
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive antifungal therapy are essential for managing this condition.
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