title: Clinical Profile and Visual Outcome of Ocular Bartonellosis in Malaysia.
abstract: Background.Ocular bartonellosis can present in various ways, with variable visual outcome. There is limited data on ocular bartonellosis in Malaysia.Objective.We aim to describe the clinical presentation and visual outcome of ocular bartonellosis in Malaysia.Materials and Methods.This was a retrospective review of patients treated for ocular bartonellosis in two ophthalmology centers in Malaysia between January 2013 and December 2015. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, supported by a positiveBartonellaspp. serology.Results.Of the 19 patients in our series, females were predominant (63.2%). The mean age was 29.3 years. The majority (63.2%) had unilateral involvement. Five patients (26.3%) had a history of contact with cats. Neuroretinitis was the most common presentation (62.5%). Azithromycin was the antibiotic of choice (42.1%). Concurrent systemic corticosteroids were used in approximately 60% of cases. The presenting visual acuity was worse than 6/18 in approximately 60% of eyes; on final review, 76.9% of eyes had a visual acuity better than 6/18.Conclusion.Ocular bartonellosis tends to present with neuroretinitis. Azithromycin is a viable option for treatment. Systemic corticosteroids may be considered in those with poor visual acuity on presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Chai Lee
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia; Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30990 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Lai Chan
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Fhun
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Evelyn Li Min
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8055-5396
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, 15586 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nor Hasnida
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Abdul Gani
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Julieana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Muhammed
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, 15586 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Tengku Norina
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Tuan Jaafar
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Liza Sharmini
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8144-8816
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Ahmad Tajudin
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Wan-Hazabbah
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3737-1820
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Wan Hitam