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- Ocular Syphilis (OS)
Ocular syphilis (OS) is a potentially blinding complication of syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Protheragen offers comprehensive services to support the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for ocular syphilis. Our expertise encompasses the entire development pipeline, from early-stage research to preclinical studies.
Ocular syphilis (OS) is a type of ocular disease caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is a part of systemic syphilis. Due to blows particular impact on immunosuppressed people and people with co-infection of HIV, this condition is getting more and more common, which is the reason it has gained so much attention. In regard to the eye, the disease with ocular syphilis has numerous symptoms which come in the form of panuveitis, tail end retinittis, and optic neuritis, therefore making it difficult to differentiate from other eye issues. Systemic complications and complications of vision can occur if eyes are not treated and detected initially in a timely manner.
Fig. 1 The taxonomy of selected Spirochaetales human pathogenic species. (Chauhan K., et al., 2023)
Serological Tests
Serological testing is the most important laboratory procedure for the diagnosis of ocular syphilis. These tests are classified into two groups: non-treponemal tests and treponemal tests. The Non-treponemal tests, VDRL and Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), identify the presence of non-specific antibodies and apply as screening tests. Treponemal tests, that is T. pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA), T. pallidum Passive Particle Agglutination (TPPA), and Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test, are performed to detect specific antibodies directed against T. pallidum. Positive results of these tests show that the diagnosis of syphilis is confirmed.
Molecular Diagnostics
The diagnosis of ocular syphilis has been transformed by molecular diagnostics, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T. pallidum DNA is extractable from several sources such as vitreous aspirates, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. This approach has notable sensitivity and specificity; hence, it can identify the pathogen even when the presentation is unusual or there are low bacterial levels.
| Therapeutics | Target | Description | Stage |
| Benzathine Penicillin G | Treponema pallidum | A long-acting penicillin formulation used for early syphilis. Administered as a single intramuscular injection (2.4 million units). | Approved |
| Aqueous Crystalline Penicillin G | Treponema pallidum | Used for more advanced stages of syphilis, including neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis. Administered intravenously (18-24 million units per day for 10-14 days). | Approved |
| Procaine Penicillin G | Treponema pallidum | An alternative to aqueous crystalline penicillin G, administered intramuscularly (2.4 million units daily) with oral probenecid (500 mg four times a day) for 10-14 days. | Approved |
| Ceftriaxone | Treponema pallidum | Used in patients allergic to penicillin. Administered intramuscularly or intravenously (2 grams daily for 10-14 days). | Approved |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) | Inflammatory Pathways | Used adjunctively to manage inflammation and prevent Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Can be administered systemically or topically. | Approved |
| Intravitreal Steroids (e.g., Dexamethasone Implants) | Inflammatory Pathways | Used locally to manage ocular inflammation, particularly in cases of corticosteroid intolerance or to prevent paradoxical worsening. | Approved |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Protheragen offers comprehensive services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for ocular syphilis. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced scientific team specialize in the development and validation of advanced diagnostic assays, including serological tests and molecular diagnostics. We also provide expertise in the formulation and evaluation of novel therapeutic agents, ensuring that our clients receive cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Protheragen's preclinical research services for ocular syphilis encompass a wide range of capabilities, from in vitro and in vivo studies to translational research. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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