Related Experiment Videos
Brucella melitensis endogenous endophthalmitis
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University and King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Brucella melitensis caused endophthalmitis in a patient, confirmed by positive serum agglutination tests. This case highlights Brucella endophthalmitis as a rare but serious ocular infection, especially in agrarian settings.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease, remains prevalent in agrarian environments despite eradication efforts in some regions.
- Endogenous endophthalmitis, an intraocular infection, can lead to severe vision loss.
- Brucella species are known pathogens, but their role in endogenous endophthalmitis is rarely documented.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female presented with endophthalmitis in her left eye.
- The causative agent was identified as Brucella melitensis, biotype 3.
- Serum agglutination tests showed positive titres (1:320 and 1:1,280) in two independent laboratories.
Findings:
- This case provides the first definitive evidence of Brucella melitensis causing endogenous endophthalmitis.
- The identification of a specific virulent Brucella biotype underscores the diagnostic challenge.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should consider Brucella endophthalmitis in patients with relevant exposure history, particularly from agrarian areas.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing this sight-threatening condition.
- This finding expands the spectrum of ocular manifestations associated with Brucellosis.