Postkeratoplasty Keratitis Caused by Abiotrophia defectiva: An Unusual Cause of Graft Infection
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Published on: May 5, 2022
Guru Prasad Manderwad1, Somasheila I Murthy2, Swapna Reddy Motukupally1
1Jhaveri Microbiology Center, Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Abiotrophia defectiva is a nutritional variant of Streptococci. We describe a case of microbial keratitis due to A. defectiva in a patient who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty and was on corticosteroid therapy for recent graft rejection. Isolation of this organism confirmed this to be an opportunistic infection.
Insights
Abiotrophia defectiva, a type of Streptococci, caused an opportunistic eye infection in a patient who had a corneal transplant and was using corticosteroids. This case highlights the risks associated with weakened immunity and invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Abiotrophia defectiva is a nutritional variant of Streptococci.
- Corneal transplants (penetrating keratoplasty) are susceptible to infections.
- Corticosterosteroid therapy is often used for graft rejection but can suppress immunity.
Observation:
- A patient who underwent penetrating keratoplasty experienced graft rejection.
- The patient was on corticosteroid therapy.
- This created an environment for opportunistic infection.
Findings:
- Microbial keratitis (corneal infection) was diagnosed.
- Abiotrophia defectiva was isolated as the causative agent.
- This confirmed an opportunistic infection in a compromised host.
Implications:
- Abiotrophia defectiva can cause severe ocular infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for infections post-keratoplasty, especially with immunosuppressive therapy.
- Early identification and treatment are crucial for managing A. defectiva keratitis to preserve vision.
