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Propionibacterium acnes isolated from explanted intraocular lens in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Propionibacterium acnes is an anaerobic bacterium that has been reported to produce ocular infection or inflammation following surgery or penetrating trauma. It has been well documented as an etiologic agent associated with infections of prosthetic implants, including intraocular lenses (IOLs). P. acnes is part of the natural flora of the external eye and has biological properties that may promote, heighten, or prolong an inflammatory response. It not only resists in vitro degradation by reticuloendothelial cells, but also demonstrates adjuvant properties in vivo. In this study, we cultured the IOLs removed from patients undergoing routine penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). Four of the 12 IOLs were culture positive for P. acnes as late as 36 months postimplantation. Although this does not describe a role for P. acnes in PBK, it does suggest that the organism can remain in the pseudophakic eye for an extended time.
Insights
Propionibacterium acnes can persist on intraocular lenses (IOLs) for extended periods, even years after implantation. This finding suggests potential for chronic ocular inflammation or infection in pseudophakic eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is an anaerobic bacterium implicated in ocular infections and inflammation post-surgery or trauma.
- P. acnes is a known cause of prosthetic implant infections, including intraocular lenses (IOLs).
- This bacterium is part of the normal ocular flora and possesses properties that can exacerbate inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence of P. acnes on explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Main Methods:
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) were collected from patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK).
- Cultures were performed on the explanted IOLs to detect the presence of P. acnes.
Main Results:
- P. acnes was cultured from 4 out of 12 (33.3%) explanted IOLs.
- The organism was detected as late as 36 months postimplantation, indicating long-term survival within the eye.
Conclusions:
- P. acnes can remain viable on intraocular lenses (IOLs) for at least 36 months.
- While not directly linked to PBK in this study, the findings suggest P. acnes's potential to persist in the pseudophakic eye, possibly contributing to delayed inflammatory conditions.