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Mycobacterium chelonae interface infection after endokeratoplasty
Massimo Busin1, Diego Ponzin, Robert C Arffa
1Casa di Cura Villa Serena, Forlì, Italy. mbusin@alinet.it
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Mycobacterium chelonae can cause serious interface infections after endokeratoplasty. Surgical intervention may be necessary to eradicate the infection when antibiotic therapy fails.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Endokeratoplasty is a surgical procedure for corneal transplantation.
- Interface infections post-keratoplasty can lead to graft failure.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old woman developed interface infiltrates two weeks after endokeratoplasty.
- Cultures of the corneal preservation medium revealed Mycobacterium chelonae.
- Conservative antibiotic treatment with clarithromycin failed.
Findings:
- Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed due to the persistent infection.
- Post-PK surgery, the graft remained clear with no inflammation.
- Cultures from the corneal interface and excised button confirmed Mycobacterium chelonae.
Implications:
- Mycobacterium chelonae should be considered in postoperative corneal interface infections.
- Surgical intervention can be effective in treating refractory cases.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for successful outcomes.