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Diphtheroids as ocular pathogens.

R S Rubinfeld1, E J Cohen, J J Arentsen

  • 1Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 15, 1989
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Diphtheroids, often considered nonpathogenic eye contaminants, were linked to infectious keratitis in elderly patients with compromised corneas. These infections responded well to antibiotic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Diphtheroids are typically considered nonpathogenic contaminants of the human external eye, unlike Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Propionibacterium acnes.
  • Previous understanding generally disregarded diphtheroids as a cause of ocular infections.

Observation:

  • A review of five years of microbiology records identified eight cases of infectious keratitis.
  • These cases were characterized by heavy growth of diphtheroids on ulcer scrapings, with no other pathogens isolated.

Findings:

  • The keratitis cases predominantly affected elderly patients (mean age, 72 years).
  • All patients had pre-existing ocular conditions that compromised the corneal surface, including exposed sutures, eyelid surgery, aphakic extended wear contact lenses, viral keratitis, and diabetes mellitus.
  • The indolent ulcers observed in these cases showed sensitivity to cefazolin and gentamicin.

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Implications:

  • This study suggests diphtheroids can be pathogenic in specific ocular contexts, particularly in elderly individuals with compromised corneas.
  • Early identification and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing diphtheroid-associated keratitis.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms by which diphtheroids cause keratitis in susceptible populations.