Infective endophthalmitis caused by Bacillus cereus after cataract extraction surgery

We describe a 72-year-old Chinese man who developed fulminant Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis 36 h after an uneventful surgery for cataract extraction. Clinical progression of disease was extremely rapid, in spite of early vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of antibiotics. Results of Gram staining showed gram-positive bacilli, and the culture was positive for B. cereus. Endophthalmitis is rare after cataract surgery (cumulative probability within 1 year, approximately 0.08%), and cases caused by B. cereus are even less common. The prognosis and plan of treatment are discussed.