Congenital Cataract Due to Spiroplasma Infection

A web project tracking congenital cataract cases caused by Spiroplasma ixodetis infection through September 30, 2025.

Introduction

Congenital Cataract Due to Spiroplasma Infection is a rare disease which typically presents in the first weeks to months of life with dense cataract(s) and eye inflammation - granulomatous anterior uveitis. The cause of the disease is stipulated to be transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy due to the Spiroplasma ixodetis infection, which is assumingly transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes, currently without scientific evidence of such transmission route.

The purpose of this web project is to track and visualize the cases of congenital cataract caused by Spiroplasma ixodetis infection and aggregate data about the cases, enabling further research and understanding of the disease. Sucess of the project will be defined by enabling clinicans to provide data about the confirmed and suspected cases of Spiroplasma ixodetis infection.

The web project only aggregates anonymized publicly available data in the form of anonymous reports, social media posts, peer-reviewed articles and case reports. Submit by clicking the "Report a Case" button below. No personally identifiable information is collected.

Geographic Distribution of Cases

Interactive map showing reported Spiroplasma-associated congenital cataract cases across Europe. Click markers for case details. Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Report a Case

As a Doctor

Report a Diagnosed Case

You have confirmed a Spiroplasma-associated congenital cataract case through laboratory testing. Help build the database with your confirmed diagnosis.

Report Diagnosed Case

As a Doctor

Report a Suspected Case

You have a case that matches the clinical description but haven't confirmed Spiroplasma infection yet. Share your observations.

Report Suspected Case

As a Parent

Report Child's Condition

Your child has symptoms that match this condition. Share your experience to help researchers understand the full spectrum of cases.

Report Child's Condition

Reported Cases Database

# Year Country Age at Diagnosis Laterality Report Type Source

Per-Country Statistics

Country Cases

Epidemiology and Clinical Spectrum

Count and Geography

From 2002 to 2024, peer-reviewed reports described isolated cases and small series of ocular Spiroplasma infection presenting with congenital/early-infantile cataract and granulomatous anterior uveitis. In June 2025, a multicenter European retrospective study aggregated literature and newly identified infants, reporting 28 eyes in 18 infants from 8 European countries, with bilateral disease in 55.6% and unilateral in 44.4% 1.

Diagnostic confirmation relied on 16S rRNA PCR (positive in 89.3% of eyes tested), TEM (90%), or culture of lens material (87.5%), and outcomes improved with macrolides, corticosteroids, and lensectomy; two infants had postoperative uveitis recurrences requiring prolonged therapy.

Clinical Phenotype

Across reports, infants typically present in the first weeks to months of life with dense cataract(s) and granulomatous anterior uveitis: large keratic precipitates, posterior synechiae, dilated immature iris vessels extending onto the anterior lens capsule, and sometimes microphthalmia or elevated IOP; vitreous/posterior involvement is uncommon but reported.

Clinical Suspicion Checklist

Selected References