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Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis (PMU) as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
New infectious etiologies for posterior uveitis
Moncef Khairallah1, Rim Kahloun, Salim Ben Yahia
1Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia. moncef.khairallah@rns.tn
Abstract:
Emergent and resurgent arthropod vector-borne diseases are major causes of systemic morbidity and death and expanding worldwide. Among them, viral and bacterial agents including West Nile virus, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and rickettsioses have been recently associated with an array of ocular manifestations. These include anterior uveitis, retinitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis and optic nerve involvement. Proper clinical diagnosis of any of these infectious diseases is based on epidemiological data, history, systemic symptoms and signs, and the pattern of ocular involvement. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by the detection of a specific antibody in serum. Ocular involvement associated with emergent infections usually has a self-limited course, but it can result in persistent visual impairment. There is currently no proven specific treatment for arboviral diseases, and therapy is mostly supportive. Vaccination for humans against these viruses is still in the research phase. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for rickettsial diseases. Prevention, including public measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes and personal protection, remains the mainstay for arthropod vector disease control. Influenza A (H1N1) virus was responsible for a pandemic human influenza in 2009, and was recently associated with various posterior segment changes.
Insights
Emergent arthropod-borne diseases can cause serious eye problems like uveitis and retinitis. Prevention and supportive care are key, as specific treatments and vaccines are limited.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Arthropod vector-borne diseases are a growing global health concern, causing significant illness and mortality.
- Viral and bacterial agents like West Nile virus, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and rickettsioses are increasingly linked to ocular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of ocular manifestations associated with emergent and resurgent arthropod vector-borne diseases.
- To discuss diagnostic approaches, clinical outcomes, and current management strategies for these infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on arthropod vector-borne diseases and their ocular manifestations.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria, including epidemiological data, clinical signs, and serological confirmation.
- Summary of treatment and prevention strategies for arboviral and rickettsial diseases.
Main Results:
- Ocular involvement includes anterior uveitis, retinitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic nerve issues.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, history, and specific antibody detection in serum.
- While often self-limited, ocular complications can lead to lasting visual impairment.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention through mosquito control and personal protection is crucial.
- Current treatments for arboviral diseases are primarily supportive; specific vaccines are under development.
- Doxycycline is the recommended treatment for rickettsial diseases.
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