Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Approaches of Patients With Infectious Uveitis

Abstract

Introduction: Many bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases can cause ocular inflammation with various chorioretinal symptoms. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of patients with infectious uveitis and the treatment approaches used. Materials and Methods: The study included 156 patients diagnosed with uveitis at the Ophthalmology Clinic of Malatya Turgut & Ouml;zal University Training and Research Hospital between May 2020 and June 2023. The data of these patients were obtained from the hospital automation system. The diagnosis of infectious uveitis was based on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings. Data on the patients' laboratory findings and treatment approaches were also examined. Results: Infectious uveitis was detected in 18.5% of the patients. Among these, seven (24.1%) had retinitis due to Toxoplasma gondii, 17 (58.6%) had Herpes simplex, and three (10.3%) had keratouveitis due to Herpes zoster. Bartonella neuroretinitis was observed in one patient. Isolated anterior uveitis was detected in one patient following coronavirus diseases-2019, with no associated systemic disease. A case of serous retinopathy secondary to a choroidal granuloma in a tuberculosis patient was identified but excluded from the study, as the patient was not treated at this clinic. Clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and steroids were administered to patients diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, and antiviral treatment was administered to those diagnosed with uveitis due to Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster. No visual loss was observed in these patients after treatment, except in those who developed corneal scarring. In one patient with full-thickness corneal involvement, uveitis, and cataract, only minimal improvement was observed with treatment, and frequent recurrences were noted during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, treatment, and close follow-up in infectious uveitis can minimize the adverse prognosis of the disease.