Retinitis Due to Infections

Abstract

Infections are a major cause for retinitis. Whereas Varicella-Zoster and Herpes Simplex viruses are the major reason for acute retinal necrosis, cytomegalovirus retinitis typically occurs in immunocompromised patients. Toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis are the major parasitic pathogens affecting the retina and adjacent tissues. Among the bacterial causes, tuberculosis, syphilis, and bartonellosis are discussed as retinal diseases. The emphasis is laid on the epidemiological and clinical peculiarities, the respective diagnostic procedures, and the therapeutic approaches. Moreover, global disease aspects of infectious retinitis are included.