Detection of Treponema pallidum in the Vitreous by PCR
- Maya Müller (mayamueller{at}gmx.de),
- Irene Ewert,
- Fabian Hansmann,
- Carsten Tiemann,
- Hans J Hagedorn,
- Werner Solbach,
- Johann Roider,
- Bernhard Nölle,
- Horst Laqua,
- Hans Hoerauf
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene,University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Laboratory Krone and Partners, Bad Salzuflen, Germany
- Laboratory Krone and Partners, Bad Salzuflen, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, UK S-H, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Eye Clinic, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
- Published Online First 15 November 2006
Abstract
Background: Ocular involvement of syphilis still poses a clinical challenge due to the chameleonic behaviour of the disease. As the serodiagnosis has significant limitations, the direct detection of Treponema pallidum (TP) in the vitreous represents a desirable diagnostic tool.
Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of TP was applied in diagnostic vitrectomies of 2 patients with acute chorioretinitis. Qualitative verification of TP by real-time PCR and melting point analysis according a modified protocol was ruled out. Patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination with fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, serological workup, antibiotic treatment and follow-up.
Results: In 2 cases of acute chorioretinitis of unknown origin, real-time PCR of vitreous specimens of both patients provided evidence of TP and was 100% specific. Initial diagnosis of presumed viral retinitis was ruled out by PCR of vitreous specimen. Patients were treated with systemic antibiotics and showed prompt improvement in visual function and resolution of fundus lesions.
Conclusions: With real-time PCR, detection of TP in the vitreous was possible and delivered a sensitive, quick and inexpensive answer in a disease rather difficult to assess. In cases of acute chorioretinitis the use of PCR-based assays of vitreous specimens in the diagnostic evaluation of patients is advisable. Although syphilitic chorioretinitis is a rare disease, PCR should include search for TP, as diagnostic dilemmas prolong definitive treatment in a sight threatening disease.
