Faculty Collaboration Database

Demystifying Ocular Syphilis - A Major Review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023 Sep;31(7):1425-1439

Date

06/12/2023

Pubmed ID

37307579

DOI

10.1080/09273948.2023.2217246

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85163102576 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

Syphilis, caused by the spirochaete, Treponema pallidum, continues to be a public health challenge globally with its rates steadily increasing in the past few years. The disease is transmitted through small breaks in the skin during sexual contact, or via congenital transmission in utero, either across the placenta or by contact with an active genital lesion during delivery. Estimated 5.7-6 million new cases are detected every year worldwide in the 15-49 years age group. An increased incidence has been reported in most populations with particular clusters in special groups like men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and their male clients. Ocular syphilis has a varied presentation and is considered a great mimicker in all cases of uveitis. The laboratory diagnosis of syphilis is predominantly based on serological tests including TPHA and VDRL. Parenteral penicillin is the cornerstone of treatment for all stages of ocular syphilis.

Author List

Chauhan K, Fonollosa A, Giralt L, Artaraz J, Randerson EL, Goldstein DA, Furtado JM, Smith JR, Sudharshan S, Ahmed AS, Nair N, Joseph J, Pavesio C, Westcott M, Trepatchayakorn S, Sallam AB, Elhusseiny AM, Tyagi M

Author

Edward L. Randerson MD Assistant Professor in the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Endophthalmitis
Eye Infections, Bacterial
Female
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Pregnancy
Sex Workers
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum