Ocular Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Prophylaxis, and Diseases Confused with Ocular Tuberculosis: Brief Report


KARACA Ç., Ozer F., GÜLMEZ SEVİM D., ERDOĞAN O., ÜNLÜ M.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH, cilt.46, sa.5, 2024 (ESCI)

Özet

We present a case series of eight patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB), latent tuberculosis (TB) or sarcoidosis, some of whom were receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (antiTNF-alpha) therapy for various systemic diseases. Only one patient had a positive QuantiFERON (R) TB test (QFT), and only one case showed a positive acid-resistant bacilli (ARB) test result. In a third case, brain imaging provided valuable assistance. Ocular tuberculosis should not be overlooked during clinical examination, as it remains a relevant diagnosis even in nonendemic regions. Over the last decade, the use of anti-TNF-alpha inhibitors for treating resistant uveitis has increased significantly. Consequently, it is essential to closely monitor patients for immunosuppression and remain vigilant about the risk of TB.