Ocular tuberculosis: More than ‘Of Mice and Men’

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex, is one of the oldest known infectious disease entities, resulting in the death of millions of humans each year. It also results in a substantial degree of morbidity and mortality in animal species. Extrapulmonary TB is well-recognised in humans, and the eye is one site that can be affected. Studies seeking to understand ocular TB have often relied on animal models; however, these have their limitations and may not truly reflect what happens in humans. We wish to raise awareness among ophthalmologists and vision scientists of naturally occurring cases of ocular TB in animals, namely cattle and domestic cats, and the possibilities of gaining further understanding of this presentation of TB by adopting a collaborative approach. This will hopefully improve outcomes for both human and animal patients.