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Mycobacterium chelonae canaliculitis associated with SmartPlug use.
Amy M Fowler1, Jonathan J Dutton, W Craig Fowler
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7040, U.S.A. afowler@med.unc.edu
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Mycobacterium chelonae, an environmental bacterium, can cause rare eye infections. This study reports three cases of canaliculitis caused by M. chelonae following intracanalicular plug placement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium chelonae is a ubiquitous environmental microorganism.
- While uncommon, M. chelonae is increasingly recognized as a cause of ocular and periocular infections.
- Infections linked to refractive surgeries like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis have raised awareness of this pathogen.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with canaliculitis, confirmed by M. chelonae cultures.
- These infections occurred more than a year after the placement of SmartPlugs, a type of intracanalicular device.
- The cases illustrate potential clinical presentations in patients with a history of intracanalicular plug use.
Findings:
- M. chelonae can cause delayed-onset canaliculitis after intracanalicular plug insertion.
- The study identifies a specific clinical scenario involving M. chelonae and SmartPlug complications.
- Culture-positive M. chelonae canaliculitis is a potential sequela of intracanalicular device placement.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering M. chelonae in canaliculitis cases, especially with a history of intracanalicular plugs.
- Suggests the need for awareness among ophthalmologists regarding M. chelonae as a potential pathogen in post-device infections.
- Informs therapeutic strategies for managing M. chelonae canaliculitis in patients with intracanalicular devices.
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