Mycobacterium tuberculosis presenting as chronic red eye.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of tuberculosis of the conjunctiva.


METHODS
Case report with pathologic correlation. A 17-year-old man who had relocated to Australia from Liberia presented with chronic unilateral conjunctivitis.


RESULTS
The diagnosis was not initially evident, despite 2 separate biopsy specimens, conjunctival cultures, and polymerase chain reaction testing. Definitive diagnosis was made after repeated histologic examination. Antituberculous treatment resulted in prompt resolution of all ocular signs.


CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculous conjunctivitis is now a very rare condition in the developed world. Definitive diagnosis requires the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms in conjunctival biopsy specimens-either through microscopic detection of acid-fast bacilli or more sensitive culture techniques.
Jennings
Angela
A
Centre for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. avjennings@optusnet.com.au
Bilous
Michael
M
Asimakis
Peter
P
Maloof
Anthony J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003234:Conjunctivitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004977:Ethambutol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011718:Pyrazinamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014392:Tuberculosis, Ocular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D011718:Pyrazinamide; D004977:Ethambutol; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin