Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis (PMU) as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
Bilateral interstitial keratitis and granulomatous uveitis of tubercular origin
Saurabh Kamal1, Rakshit Kumar, Sushil Kumar
1Guru Nanak Eye Centre (S.K., S.K., R.G.), Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, IndiaDepartment of Medicine (R.K.), Lok Nayak Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of ocular morbidity. Establishing a diagnosis may be difficult in some situations especially with unusual presentation. We report case of bilateral interstitial keratitis (IK) associated with anterior uveitis as a presenting feature of ocular TB from India.
Methods:
A 17-year-old woman presented with diminution of vision in both eyes. Slit lamp biomicroscopy showed central bilateral IK and active granulomatous uveitis. Laboratory investigations revealed raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (50 mm/hr) and positive tuberculin test (22 mm induration) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (3.34 IU/mL), with no foci of systemic infection.
Results:
Presumptive diagnosis of ocular TB was made. The patient was started on antitubercular therapy and topical steroids, after which symptoms and signs resolved. There was no recurrence of the disease for 1 year after completion of antitubercular therapy.
Conclusions:
Bilateral central IK with granulomatous uveitis is probably related to the presence of tubercular antigen in aqueous humor. Positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is useful for initiating the antitubercular treatment where unusual presentation is encountered.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction