Emergent Ocular Infections

Abstract

Arthropod vector-borne diseases are among the most important emergent and resurgent infections. They are transmitted to humans by the bite of mosquito, tick, or other arthropod. Most of them are prevalent in warm regions, but they tend to spread into new regions around the world mainly due to climate changes and globalization. Most human infections are subclinical or manifest as a mild febrile illness, but a severe, potentially lethal systemic involvement can occur. Several emergent infections including West Nile virus infection, dengue fever, Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and rickettsioses have been recently associated with an array of ocular manifestations. These include anterior uveitis, retinitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic nerve involvement. Diagnosis of any of these infectious diseases is primarily based on epidemiological data, history, systemic symptoms and signs, and the pattern of ocular involvement. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by serology and/or detection of the causative agent.