Detection of Leptospirosis Genome from the Aqueous Humor of a Patient with Bilateral Uveitis.

BACKGROUND

Leptospira species are difficult to culture. Thus, when there is suspicion for an infectious etiology to uveitis, bacterial cultures may fail to identify Leptospira. We describe a case of leptospirosis-associated uveitis that evaded culture and molecular assays. DNA sequencing of the aqueous fluid showed the presence of Leptospira spp.

METHODS

Retrospective case review of clinical and laboratory features of a patient with ocular leptospirosis is presented.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing identified the genome of Leptospirosis spp. in the aqueous humor.

CONCLUSION

Metagenomic sequencing, by virtue of its unbiased nature, can be a helpful adjunctive test when a strong clinical suspicion for intraocular infection persists despite negative routine culture and molecular assays.