Chlamydia trachomatis Mimicking COVID-19 Chronic Follicular Conjunctivitis

Kaur, Sukhmandeep; Teibel, Zachary Raphael; Farhat, Nada; Atoot, Adam; Bielory, Brett

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical presentation and report lab findings of Chlamydia trachomatis follicular conjunctivitis in two patients with a positive history of active COVID-19 infection. Participants. Two patients with follicular conjunctivitis with a recent history of COVID-19 infection. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, case report. METHODS: Demographic data including age, gender, and place of residence were recorded. A full exam with an emphasis on inflammatory characteristics and systematic workup. Sample follicles were surgically excised in selected cases, and molecular and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: Both patients were initially treated for viral conjunctivitis. After symptoms failed to resolve, biopsy results indicated that both patients were positive for chlamydia conjunctivitis and treated accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrate the role of biopsy as an investigative tool in chronic conjunctivitis and the importance of having a broad differential when treating patients with acute conjunctivitis.