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Listeria Monocytogenes: a rare cause of endophthalmitis, a case report

Katherine M Gaskell1, Gwyn Williams2, Kathie Grant3

  • 1University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK.

Idcases
|April 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the first case in England of endogenous endophthalmitis, a severe eye infection, caused by Listeria monocytogenes following gastroenteritis in an immunocompetent individual. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes commonly causes gastroenteritis.
  • Invasive disease can lead to serious complications like meningoencephalitis and endocarditis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.
  • Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but severe intraocular infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first case in England of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in an immunocompetent host.
  • To highlight the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in cases of ocular inflammation following gastroenteritis.
  • To emphasize the need for prompt diagnosis and management to improve visual prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 50-year-old female with acute unilateral visual loss.
  • Clinical examination revealing severe intraocular inflammation with hypopyon uveitis.
  • Vitreous biopsy for microbiological confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes (serotype 1/2a).

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with acute painful unilateral visual loss after self-limiting gastroenteritis.
  • Vitreous biopsy confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Intraocular inflammation subsided with treatment, but surgical intervention was necessary for visual recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Listeria monocytogenes can cause endogenous endophthalmitis in immunocompetent individuals following gastroenteritis.
  • Diagnostic delay in endogenous endophthalmitis negatively impacts visual outcomes.
  • Ocular inflammation post-gastroenteritis warrants consideration of Listeria spp.
Keywords:
Endogenous endophthalmitisGastroenteritisListeria monocytogenesOcular inflammation

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