Mycobacterium tuberculosis presenting as chronic red eye

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of tuberculosis of the conjunctiva.

Methods: Case report with pathologic correlation. A 17-year-old man who had relocated to Australia from Liberia presented with chronic unilateral conjunctivitis.

Results: The diagnosis was not initially evident, despite 2 separate biopsy specimens, conjunctival cultures, and polymerase chain reaction testing. Definitive diagnosis was made after repeated histologic examination. Antituberculous treatment resulted in prompt resolution of all ocular signs.

Conclusion: Tuberculous conjunctivitis is now a very rare condition in the developed world. Definitive diagnosis requires the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms in conjunctival biopsy specimens-either through microscopic detection of acid-fast bacilli or more sensitive culture techniques.