Ocular leptospirosis: lack of awareness among ophthalmologists and challenges in diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose of reviewSystemic leptospirosis exists worldwide. But leptospiral uveitis, an important late complication is not identified by ophthalmologists in several countries.Recent findingsIn the last 18 months numerous publications, especially on epidemiology, surveillances, and novel rapid diagnostic kits to test at the point of care site on leptospirosis have been published from all over the world. However, publications from ophthalmologists are very scarce. Remarkably ophthalmologists should know the global burden of leptospirosis, prevalence of the disease in their country, demographic factors associated, risk factors, and systemic signs to elicit relevant history and travel history. They should be aware of recent advances in investigations to confirm their clinical diagnosis.SummaryIt is quite evident from this work that leptospirosis is prevalent worldwide. Ophthalmologists' awareness has to improve to identify the etiological diagnosis. They should have access to simple, less expensive, and less cumbersome laboratory tests.