Infectious panuveitis

Infectious panuveitis is a severe inflammatory eye condition in which all layers of the uveal tract — the iris, ciliary body, and choroid — become inflamed due to an infectious agent. The term 'panuveitis' indicates that inflammation involves both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, and when infectious in origin, it is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that invade ocular tissues. Common infectious causes include Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), and various fungal organisms such as Candida species. The condition is classified under ICD-10 code H44.1 (endophthalmitis) and Orphanet code 279925. Patients typically present with eye pain, redness, blurred or decreased vision, floaters, photophobia (light sensitivity), and in severe cases, significant visual impairment or blindness. The inflammation can lead to complications including vitritis (inflammation of the vitreous humor), retinal vasculitis, macular edema, retinal detachment, cataract formation, glaucoma, and permanent structural damage to the eye. Both eyes may be affected, though unilateral involvement is also common depending on the causative organism. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy, are at particularly elevated risk. Treatment of infectious panuveitis is directed at the underlying causative organism and typically involves targeted antimicrobial therapy — antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitic agents — administered systemically and sometimes intravitreally (directly into the eye). Corticosteroids may be used cautiously to control inflammation but only after appropriate antimicrobial coverage is established, as immunosuppression without antimicrobial treatment can worsen the infection. In severe cases such as endophthalmitis, surgical intervention including vitrectomy may be necessary. Early diagnosis through clinical examination, ocular fluid sampling (aqueous or vitreous tap), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and serological studies is critical to preserving vision. Prognosis varies widely depending on the causative agent, the timeliness of treatment, and the patient's immune status.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Infectious panuveitis