Detection of Treponema pallidum in Aqueous Humor by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Purpose: To report the additional clinical value of real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of Treponema pallidum in aqueous humor.Methods: A real-time (RT) PCR assay targeting the polymerase 1 gene of Treponema pallidum was performed in aqueous humor samples collected in consecutive patients with ocular syphilis.Results: Five patients presenting with optic neuritis (1), posterior placoid chorioretinitis (1), or panuveitis with retinitis (3) were tested. The PCR results were positive in the 3 cases of panuveitis and negative in the 2 other cases.Conclusion: RT-PCR for Treponema pallidum in aqueous humor is useful to confirm syphilitic panuveitis.