Molecular and Serological Intraocular Fluid Analysis of Coxiella burnetii-seropositive Patients with Concurrent Idiopathic Uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested a link between Q fever and uveitis. We determined whether Coxiella burnetii causes intraocular infection in C. burnetii-seropositive patients with idiopathic uveitis.

Methods: From a retrospective observational case series, paired aqueous humor and serum samples from 10 C. burnetii-seropositive patients with idiopathic uveitis were examined for intraocular antibody production by using the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Although intraocular IgG against C. burnetii was detected, no intraocular antibody production was observed (low Goldmann Wittmer coefficients). All PCR results were negative.

Conclusions: Uveitis due to an intraocular infection with C. burnetii is unlikely.

• Aqueous humor analysis
• Coxiella burnetii
• infection
• uveitis

Declaration of interest

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

This study was in part supported by the Dr. F. P. Fischer Foundation, Amersfoort, The Netherlands, and the Foundation for Dutch Ophthalmic Research (SNOO), Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The authors thank José van der Wal for excellent technical assistance.

Author contributions: Involved in study design (LEH, JJO, LMK, JDFG); conduction of study and data collection (LEH, LMK, JD, JO); analysis and interpretation of data (LEH, JD, JDFG); drafting manuscript (LEH); review and approval of manuscript (JJO, LMK, JO, AR, JDFG).