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Published on: September 20, 2018
Infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Streptococcus Abiotrophia defectiva
Florence Abry1, Arnaud Sauer, Philippe Riegel
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. florence.abry@chru-strasbourg.fr
Cornea
|May 29, 2010
Summary
This study reports the first case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Streptococcus Abiotrophia defectiva. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the bacteria in a corneal graft, highlighting its diagnostic utility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK) is a rare intraocular inflammation.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for visual preservation.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old woman developed crystalline keratopathy 10 months post-penetrating keratoplasty.
- Initial corneal scrapings were negative, and empirical antibiotic treatment failed.
- Corneal regrafting was performed, and the explanted tissue was analyzed.
Findings:
- Cultures of the explanted corneal graft identified Streptococcus Abiotrophia defectiva.
- Broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of A. defectiva DNA (16S ribosomal DNA).
Implications:
- Streptococcus Abiotrophia defectiva is identified as a causative agent of ICK.
- Long-term corticosteroid use and previous corneal transplantation may be risk factors.
- PCR is a valuable diagnostic tool for deep infectious keratitis.
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