title: Ocular infections in sub-Saharan Africa in the context of high HIV prevalence.
abstract: Healthy eyes and good vision are important determinants of populations' health across the globe. Sub-Saharan Africa is affected by simultaneous epidemics of ocular infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ocular infection and its complications, along with cataract and ocular trauma, are common conditions in this region with great impact on daily life. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and microbial aetiology of the most important infectious ocular conditions in sub-Saharan Africa: conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis. We focus specifically on the potential association of these infections with HIV infection, including immune recovery uveitis. Finally, challenges and opportunities for clinical management are discussed, and recommendations made to improve care in this neglected but very important clinical field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Tzaneen, South Africa; Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schaftenaar
authors.forename: Eric C M
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: van Gorp
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meenken
authors.forename: Albert D M E
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Osterhaus
authors.forename: Lies
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Remeijer
authors.forename: Helen E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Struthers
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: G Seerp
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Baarsma
authors.forename: Georges M G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Verjans
authors.forename: Remco P H
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000150:complications*; D058872:Epidemics; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000150:complications*; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Africa; Afrique; HIV; VIH; eye infections; infecciones de los ojos; infections oculaires; África