Ocular tuberculosis associated with Epstein-Barr virus myelitis: A case report

Infect Med (Beijing). 2024 Aug 22;3(3):100132. doi: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100132. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Ocular tuberculosis (OTB) is a chronic eye infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Some cases of myelitis are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with 1-5% of EBV infections leading to neurologic complications. We describe a 34-year-old Iranian woman with OTB and EBV coinfection. Despite initial success with anti-TB agents, the disease progressed, necessitating enucleation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by a tuberculin coagulation test, and EBV was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction. MRI showed plaques in the spinal cord and brain. The patient was treated with anti-TB and antiretroviral agents. Recognizing TB in the differential diagnosis of EBV myelitis is crucial.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; Mycobacterial infection; Myelitis; Ocular tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports