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Acinetobacter as a causative agent in preseptal cellulitis

Jeff Miller1

  • 1Northeastern State University, College of Optometry, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464, USA. millerjm@nsuok.edu

Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|March 25, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Atypical bacteria like Acinetobacter can cause serious eye infections. Prompt culturing and aggressive treatment with newer antibiotics are crucial for resolving resistant ocular infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter, a bacterial genus, is increasingly recognized as a significant pathogen.
  • Acinetobacter baumannii is the primary species implicated in infections.
  • This genus exhibits growing resistance to both older and newer antibiotics.

Observation:

  • A 39-year-old woman presented with preseptal cellulitis and conjunctivitis unresponsive to initial antibiotic treatment.
  • The infection, initially a hordeolum, progressed despite oral cephalexin and azithromycin.
  • The patient was subsequently treated with oral gatifloxacin and topical ciprofloxacin.

Findings:

  • Cultures identified Acinetobacter as the causative agent of the ocular infection.
  • The patient showed gradual improvement over 10 days, with complete resolution in 21 days.
  • This case highlights Acinetobacter as an atypical cause of ocular infections.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must consider emerging and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ocular infections.
  • Ocular infections not responding to standard therapy require aggressive treatment with advanced antibiotics.
  • Susceptibility testing for antimicrobial drugs is essential for infections caused by unusual organisms.

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