Whole genome sequencing and nested polymerase chain reaction in ocular syphilis: A case report
Keywords:
Human immunodeficiency virus, nested PCR, ocular syphilis, whole genome sequencing, case reportAbstract
We reported a case of a 22-year-old male that presented with blurry vision in his left eye. He had skin erosion on his testicles over the last year. His presenting visual acuity was 20/200 (left) and 20/200 (right). His right eye funduscopic showed an indistinct margin of papillary cranial nerve II (CN II) and hyperemia. He had reactive VDRL, TPHA, and HIV infection. Nested polymorphism chain reaction (nested PCR) showed T. pallidum A2059G mutation, but results from whole genome sequencing (WGS) were engative. He received benzathine penicillin 2.4 million international unit injection (intramuscular) and symptomatic therapy. After three months of treatment, he showed clinical improvement. In conclusion, ocular syphilis can occur at any stage of syphilis and may mimic various ocular diseases. Thus, it is often referred to as "the great masquerader".References
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