Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 11, 2026

Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis
09:22

Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis

Published on: May 12, 2020

Endophthalmitis caused by gram-negative organisms

W D Irvine1, H W Flynn, D Miller

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (Fla) School of Medicine 33101.

Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|October 11, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Gram-negative endophthalmitis treatment outcomes show limited visual acuity. However, gram-negative isolates remained sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotics, with ceftazidime demonstrating broad in vitro efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Gram-negative endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae were the most common pathogens identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review treatment outcomes for gram-negative endophthalmitis.
  • To assess antibiotic sensitivity patterns of gram-negative isolates.
  • To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of newer antibiotics against these pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 52 patients (53 eyes) with culture-proven gram-negative endophthalmitis (1982-1990).
  • Analysis of initial antibiotic sensitivities, particularly to aminoglycosides.
  • In vitro susceptibility testing of 35 isolates against ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem.

Main Results:

  • 49% of patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/400 or better.
  • 98% of gram-negative isolates were sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
  • Ceftazidime demonstrated in vitro efficacy against all tested organisms.

Conclusions:

  • Gram-negative endophthalmitis treatment yielded suboptimal visual acuity in nearly half of cases.
  • Aminoglycosides remain effective against most gram-negative endophthalmitis isolates.
  • Ceftazidime shows promising in vitro activity and warrants consideration for treating gram-negative endophthalmitis.

More Related Videos

Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis07:24

Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis

Published on: February 6, 2021

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects06:19

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Published on: May 31, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...