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Postoperative Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis
D H Johnson1, N C Klein, B A Cunha
1Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501.
Abstract:
Endophthalmitis after ophthalmic surgery is a rare but serious complication. Postoperative endophthalmitis presents clinically with conjunctival erythema and lid edema with eye pain and decrease in visual acuity. Diagnosis requires invasive culture techniques because postoperative external eye cultures are not reflective of intraocular organisms. The most common pathogens causing postoperative endophthalmitis are staphylococci and streptococci. Less common organisms associated with exogenous endophthalmitis include gram-negative aerobic bacilli and fungi. We report a case of Serratia marcescens postoperative endophthalmitis in a normal host.
Insights
Postoperative endophthalmitis, a severe complication of eye surgery, can be caused by unusual pathogens. This case highlights Serratia marcescens as a cause of endophthalmitis in a healthy patient.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Endophthalmitis is a rare but severe complication following ophthalmic surgery.
- Clinical signs include conjunctival erythema, lid edema, eye pain, and decreased visual acuity.
- Accurate diagnosis necessitates invasive culture techniques, as external eye cultures do not reflect intraocular pathogens.
Observation:
- The most frequent causative agents of postoperative endophthalmitis are staphylococci and streptococci.
- Less common causes include gram-negative aerobic bacilli and fungi.
- This report details a case of Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent individual.
Findings:
- Serratia marcescens, a gram-negative bacillus, was identified as the causative organism.
- The patient was a normal host, indicating no predisposing immune deficiencies.
- This presentation underscores the potential for diverse microbial agents to cause postoperative endophthalmitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering a broader range of pathogens, including gram-negative bacilli like Serratia marcescens, in postoperative endophthalmitis.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt and accurate microbiological diagnosis through intraocular cultures.
- Informs clinical management strategies for this sight-threatening condition.