Retinitis pigmentosa is considered a genetic retinal dystrophy (thinning and degeneration of retinal tissue), which causes a gradual loss of vision and ultimately blindness. Dr. Merchant examined a 35-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, and been told by her retinal specialist she would be blind in 5 years. The patient had difficulty seeing in dark or dim light, and had refrained from many activities of daily living, most driving, and all driving at night. The patient’s blood tests were positive for H-pylori and psittacosis; and after the positive results, the patient reported eating pigeons as a child. After treatment for H-pylori and psittacosis, the patient had a dramatic improvement and stabilization of vision. Vision improved in Snellen visual acuity and contrast sensitivity testing; and the patient was able to return to activities of daily living, driving, and even driving at night. The patient’s vision has remained stable for 5 years.

The highest rate of retinitis pigmentosa in the world is in Italy, where a high percentage of pigeons are infected with psittacosis and contact with pigeons is encouraged. The high rate of retinitis pigmentosa in Italy, and the success treating a patient with retinitis pigmentosa who had confirmed psittacosis, supports that chlamydia psittacosis can be a cause of retinitis pigmentosa.

People diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa should be tested for immortal pathogens; and offered treatment for pathogens diagnosed by blood testing, rather than being given no hope to save vision or prolong vision loss. Testing for immortal pathogens provides important medical information, which can lead to new discoveries, alternative treatments, and improved outcomes.