Detection of Treponema pallidum in Aqueous Humor by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

Purpose: To report the additional clinical value of real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of Treponema pallidum in aqueous humor.

Methods: A real-time (RT) PCR assay targeting the polymerase 1 gene of Treponema pallidum was performed in aqueous humor samples collected in consecutive patients with ocular syphilis.

Results: Five patients presenting with optic neuritis (1), posterior placoid chorioretinitis (1), or panuveitis with retinitis (3) were tested. The PCR results were positive in the 3 cases of panuveitis and negative in the 2 other cases.

Conclusion: RT-PCR for Treponema pallidum in aqueous humor is useful to confirm syphilitic panuveitis.

Keywords::

• aqueous humor
• ocular syphilis
• real-time PCR
• Treponema pallidum
• uveitis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.