Whole genome sequencing and nested polymerase chain reaction in ocular syphilis: A case report | [Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists • 2024]

Author(s):

1. Muji Iswanty: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine Makassar Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

2. Muh. Nasrum Massi: Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Makassar Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

3. Khairuddin Djawad: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine Makassar Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

4. Ghea Anisah: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine Makassar Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract:

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

Page(s): 556-562

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, Volume: 34, Issue: 2, Year: 2024

Keywords:

Human immunodeficiency virus , Nested PCR , Whole genome sequencing , Ocular syphilis

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