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Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation
Published on: March 2, 2016
Endophthalmitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae
Daniel M Yoder1, Ingrid U Scott, Harry W Flynn
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
Ophthalmology
|November 4, 2004
Summary
Endophthalmitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae often leads to poor visual outcomes, even with prompt antibiotic treatment. This study highlights the challenges in managing this serious eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterial pathogen that can cause endophthalmitis, particularly in specific clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and visual outcomes of endophthalmitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae.
- To assess the antibiotic sensitivities of H. influenzae isolates in cases of endophthalmitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series reviewed medical records of patients with culture-proven H. influenzae endophthalmitis.
- Data collected included clinical settings, onset, management (vitreous tap/inject, vitrectomy, antibiotics, steroids), and visual acuity outcomes.
- Antibiotic sensitivities of the causative H. influenzae strains were determined through in vitro testing.
Main Results:
- The study included 16 eyes, with most cases occurring after ocular surgeries like trabeculectomy and cataract surgery.
- Delayed onset endophthalmitis (>6 weeks post-surgery) was more common (69%) than acute onset.
- Despite treatment with intravitreal antibiotics to which H. influenzae isolates were largely sensitive (88-100%), final visual acuity was poor in many cases (38% no light perception).
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae endophthalmitis is associated with significant visual morbidity.
- Effective management requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, though outcomes remain challenging.
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