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Improved detection of microorganisms by polymerase chain reaction in delayed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery
C P Lohmann1, H J Linde, U Reischl
1Universitäts-Augenklinik, Regensburg, Germany.
Objective:
To evaluate whether the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) improves the identification of the causative pathogen in eyes developing delayed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.
Design:
Prospective, noncomparative case series.
Participants:
Consecutive series of 25 eyes with the clinical diagnosis of delayed endophthalmitis after cataract.
Main Outcome Measure:
Presence of bacterial or fungal DNA in aqueous humor and vitreous samples.
Results:
In the aqueous humor the causative pathogen was identified in 84% (n = 21) of the eyes by PCR compared with 0% by diagnostic culture and 0% by microscopy. In the vitreous samples the pathogen was identified in 92% (n = 23) of the eyes by PCR compared with 24% by diagnostic culture (n = 6) and 0% by microscopy.
Conclusions:
PCR is useful for the identification of the causative pathogen in delayed endophthalmitis and had a higher rate of positive identification of the causative organism than microscopy or diagnostic culture.