title: Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Ocular Infections: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
abstract: Nontuberculous or atypical mycobacterial ocular infections have been increasing in prevalence over the past few decades. They are known to cause periocular, adnexal, ocular surface and intraocular infections and are often recalcitrant to medical therapy. These infections can potentially cause detrimental outcomes, in part due to a delay in diagnosis. We review 174 case reports and series on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) ocular infections and discuss etiology, microbiology, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of these infections. History of interventions, trauma, foreign bodies, implants, contact lenses, and steroids are linked to NTM ocular infections. Steroid use may prolong the duration of the infection and cause poorer visual outcomes. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with multiple antibiotics are necessary to achieve the best visual outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Wajiha J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kheir
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Huda
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sheheitli
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Maamoun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdul Fattah
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Rola N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Hamam
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005123:Eye / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006257:Head / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents