Pathogenesis of Bacterial Uveitis

To describe the pathogenesis and the general immune mechanisms of the most frequent causes of bacterial uveitis.

Narrative review.

Both extra- and intracellular bacteria can induce uveitis, whereas intracellular bacteria are generally transported into the inner eye via cells of the innate immune system, mainly macrophages. Systemic adaptive immunity is usually induced before the bacteria are localized to the inner eye, and once T and B cells have detected the pathogens behind the blood-eye barriers they elicit an acute and/or chronic inflammatory response deteriorating visual acuity that can severely affect the non-regenerating, intraocular tissues.

An understanding of pathogenic mechanisms, and its correlation with clinical and imaging features, can facilitate early recognition of microbial factors and institution of appropriate therapy.