Branhamella catarrhalis colonization of exposed nylon sutures

A 63-year-old man who had uncomplicated cataract surgery four years previously complained of having redness, blurred vision, and photophobia in his right eye for one week. Examination revealed numerous exposed nylon sutures with peculiar leaf-like, white deposits surrounding them, associated with underlying conjunctival leukocytic infiltration. Smears of the adherent material showed gram-negative diplococci and cultures produced heavy growth of Branhamella catarrhalis. Removal of the offending sutures and fortified topical antibiotic therapy resolved the ocular inflammation. The unique form in which this infection presented is a reminder that ocular surgical patients deserve long-term follow-up for problems like exposed sutures.