Intraocular inflammation as the main manifestation of Rickettsia conorii infection.

Objective: To report the clinical features and management of seven cases of intraocular inflammation caused by Rickettsia infection and review published literature.

Methods: Rickettsia conorii or Rickettsia spp. infection was diagnosed based on the following criteria: (1) positive serology according to the European Guidelines, (2) titer normalization after specific treatment, and (3) complete resolution of ophthalmic disease and accompanying symptoms after antibiotic therapy.

Activation of MAPK signaling pathway and NF-kappaB activation in pterygium and ipsilateral pterygium-free conjunctival specimens.

Purpose: To evaluate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in pterygium and pterygium-free conjunctivas.

Methods: Primary pterygia (n = 21), ipsilateral superior-temporal bulbar conjunctivas (n = 8), and healthy conjunctival (n = 5) biopsy specimens were analyzed. Total and phosphorylated (phospho) levels of extracellular-regulated 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, and c-jun N-terminal (JNK) MAPKs and NF-κB inhibitor-alpha (IκΒ-α) were analyzed by immunobead-based assay.

Cat-scratch disease (ocular bartonellosis) presenting as bilateral recurrent iridocyclitis.

An otherwise healthy 9-year-old girl presented with bilateral recurrent anterior uveitis. Thirteen months later, the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease (ocular bartonellosis) was suspected when neuroretinitis appeared. Confirmation was based on serological test results positive for Bartonella henselae.