Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Salmonella arizonae and Hafnia alvei

Enteric pathogens rarely involve organs other than those of the gastrointestinal system. We have reported the case of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had endogenous endophthalmitis due to Salmonella arizonae and Hafnia alvei. The infection probably resulted from the use of snake powder as a food seasoner. After appropriate intravenous, intraocular, subconjunctival, topical, and oral antibiotic therapy based on laboratory susceptibility studies, the patient's condition clinically improved, but complications resulted in therapeutic enucleation. Because of the ubiquitous nature of these and other potentially pathogenic organisms, great care must be taken in evaluation, management, and education of immunocompromised patients.