title: Polymerase chain reaction testing of vitreous in atypical ocular syphilis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate the diagnostic importance of syphilis PCR testing on intraocular fluid for atypical presentations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two cases of atypical intraocular inflammation were confirmed by PCR testing of vitreous for Treponema pallidum DNA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ocular syphilis may be present in atypical fashion, and delayed treatment may lead to irreversible visual loss. Sampling of intraocular fluid for PCR testing may confirm diagnosis and lead to appropriate treatment.
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Troutbeck
authors.forename: Ramandeep
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chhabra
authors.forename: Nicholas P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D014210:Treponema pallidum / Q000235:genetics*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial