A case of ocular syphilis leading to detection of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Purpose: To report a case of ocular syphilis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Case and Findings: A 37-year-old male presented with acute pain and blurring in his left eye. He had photophobia and impaired visual acuity since 5 months before. His corrected visual acuity was 0.3 right and hand motion left. Both eyes showed iritis, vitreous opacity, retinochoroiditis, and optic neuritis. Serological test was strongly positive for syphilis, leading to the diagnosis of syphilitic uveitis and optic neuritis. Systemic studies showed him to be positive for antibody to HIV Treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroid was followed by improved uveitis and optic neuritis, with visual acuity of 0.5 right and 0.7 left 2 months later. Conclusion: This case illustrates that ocular syphilis may be associated with HIV infection.