Presentation type | E-poster |
Title | Spiroplasma species as a rare cause of congenital keratouveitis, cataract and glaucoma |
Purpose | To present a case of Spiroplasma uveitis in a newborn. |
Results | A 1-month-old girl was referred for a corneal infiltrate in the left eye. She presented at our hospital with a unilateral anterior keratouveitis (KU). Investigation showed a stromal corneal infiltrate and dense white keratic precipitates in the left eye. Herpetic KU was suspected, and intravenous aciclovir therapy was initiated. Two weeks later, the inflammation persisted in the left eye and was also noticed in the right eye. The left eye developed acute angle closure glaucoma and a dense cataract with dilated iris vessels extending onto the anterior lens capsule. Iridectomy, synechiolysis and lensectomy were performed. Bacterial 16s rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and transmission electron microscopy revealed Spiroplasma platyhelix species in lens aspirates. Consequently, a diagnosis of bilateral Spiroplasma uveitis was made. After treatment with azithromycin, the inflammation resolved. |
Conclusion | The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of congenital Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe keratouveitis, cataract and angle closure glaucoma in newborns. Systemic macrolides are suggested as the mainstay of treatment. Performing bacterial PCR on lens aspirates is essential for prompt diagnosis. |
Conflict of interest | No |
Last name | VAN HAECKE |
Initials | H |
Department | Department of ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital |
City | Ghent |
Last name | ROELS |
Initials | D |
Department | Department of ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital |
City | Ghent |
Last name | JONIAU |
Initials | I |
Department | Department of ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital |
City | Ghent |