[Abscesses, endophthalmitis and retinopathy as "initial manifestations" of type 2 diabetes]

The case of a 42 year old female patient is described, who presented with abscesses in the lung, the left kidney, the perspiratory glands of the axillae and endophthalmitis as well. Staphylococcus aureus could be isolated from sputum, urine, bronchoalveolar lavage and excisates of the abscesses in the right axilla. After long-term antibiotic and antimycotic treatment, restitutio ad integrum could be achieved. Since the further course excluded underlying malignancy, the septic course of Staphylococcus aureus infection must be regarded as an effect of immunosuppression in long-standing and untreated diabetes mellitus.