An uncommon case of ocular brucellosis in South India

Abstract

We report an uncommon case of ocular brucellosis presenting to the outpatient department with ocular complaints of blurring of vision, redness, increasing floaters, and ocular pain. The patient, a young 20-year-old female, a hostelite was referred to us for ophthalmic consultation by the physician treating her for recurrent episodes of fever. The patient had three episodes of fever in the last 6 months lasting 10–15 days each time and associated with joint pains. The last episode had accompanying ocular complaints for which the patient was referred to us for further management. Ocular examination revealed conjunctivitis, limbitis, episcleritis, and anterior and posterior uveitis. Routine workup for panuveitis was noncontributory; hence, in consultation with the physician, brucellosis as a possible etiology was suspected and relevant serological tests were done. Raised titer of anti-brucella antibodies was detected. The patient was then started on two-drug anti-brucella therapy (doxycycline and rifampicin) and showed significant improvement. Although not common in our region, such presentations should be carefully investigated for brucellosis so that specific treatment can be curative and ocular complications can be avoided.