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Seroprevalence of Bartonella Species in Patients with Ocular Inflammation
Joanna Brydak-Godowska1, Dorota Kopacz1, Piotr K Borkowski2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Bartonella species, vector-borne etiologic agents of many systemic or self-limited infections, are responsible for a widening spectrum of diseases in humans, including inflammatory conditions of the eye. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any relationship between uveitis and the evidence of Bartonella spp. infection in the serum, ocular fluid, and cataract mass in patients with intraocular inflammation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests and DNA sequencing were performed on surgery-extracted specimens of intraocular fluid and lens mass of 33 patients. Sera from 51 patients and 101 control subjects were tested for the presence of specific antibodies against Bartonella spp. Neither IgM-class antibodies against Bartonella spp. nor Bartonella spp. DNA were detected. A specific IgG-class antibody was found in 33.3% of the patients with uveitis. The rate of positive Bartonella serology was higher among the uveitis patients than that in control subjects. This high rate may in part result from unrecognized indirect mechanisms rather than the immediate presence and multiplication of Bartonella spp. in the eyeball. Nonetheless we believe that screening for Bartonella spp. should become part of the diagnostic workup in uveitis.
Insights
This study investigated Bartonella species infection in uveitis patients. While Bartonella DNA and IgM antibodies were absent, IgG antibodies were more prevalent in uveitis cases, suggesting a potential link.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bartonella species are vector-borne bacteria causing diverse human infections.
- Ocular inflammation, including uveitis, can be a manifestation of Bartonella infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Bartonella spp. infection and uveitis.
- To determine the presence of Bartonella spp. in ocular tissues and serum of uveitis patients.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing on ocular fluid and cataract specimens.
- Serological testing for Bartonella spp. antibodies (IgM and IgG) in patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Bartonella spp. DNA and IgM antibodies were not detected in any samples.
- Specific IgG antibodies against Bartonella spp. were found in 33.3% of uveitis patients.
- Seropositivity for Bartonella spp. was significantly higher in uveitis patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a potential association between Bartonella spp. and uveitis, possibly through indirect mechanisms.
- Screening for Bartonella spp. is recommended as part of the diagnostic workup for uveitis.