Demystifying Ocular Syphilis – A Major Review

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Ocular syphilis
• Treponema pallidum
• syphilitic uveitis
• chorioretinitis
• penicillin

Disclosure statement

Support provided by Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, Hyderabad, India. The funders had no role in the preparation, review or approval of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation.