Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in Ophthalmology

Lorin A Bibb; Kyaw Zin Htet; Corey W Waldman; Steven Brett Sloan

doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.10.013

Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in Ophthalmology

Clin Dermatol. 2023 Oct 17:S0738-081X(23)00178-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.10.013. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Lorin A Bibb¹, Kyaw Zin Htet², Corey W Waldman³, Steven Brett Sloan⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT. Electronic address: bibb.lorin@mayo.edu.
² Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
³ Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas at San Antonio, School of Medicine San Antonio, TX.
⁴ Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT.

PMID: 37858780
DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.10.013

Abstract

The ocular and periocular manifestations of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are heterogeneous in etiology, manifestations, and complications. Etiologic agents include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa, which are most frequently transmitted via direct ocular contact with an active lesion or infected bodily fluid, autoinoculation, or dissemination from a distant site. Vertical transmission most commonly occurs perinatally during vaginal delivery. The complications of ophthalmia neonatorum can be severe with the potential for permanent blindness or life-threatening systemic involvement if untreated. Clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic regimens vary based on etiology and are summarized in this review. Prompt diagnosis is imperative, given the severe sequelae that may result from ocular involvement in these infections, including permanent vision loss. A multidisciplinary approach, involving both ophthalmology and dermatology, to diagnosis and management is essential to mitigate the risk of morbidity associated with STIs resulting in eye disease.