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Endogenous Brucella endophthalmitis: A case report
Merih Oray1, Zafer Cebeci1, Nur Kir1
1Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Brucellosis can cause sight-threatening endophthalmitis, a severe eye inflammation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss from this infectious cause.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brucellosis is an infectious disease with potential ocular complications.
- Endophthalmitis, an intraocular inflammation, can lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment of infectious endophthalmitis can result in poor visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the association between Brucellosis and endogenous endophthalmitis.
- To emphasize the importance of considering infectious etiologies in panuveitis cases.
- To underscore the risks of administering immunomodulatory therapy before ruling out infections.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 26-year-old female with vision loss in the left eye.
- Clinical examination revealing vitreous haze and retinochoroiditis.
- Microbiological analysis of vitreous and blood samples confirming Brucella melitensis infection.
Main Results:
- The patient was initially misdiagnosed and treated with corticosteroids and azathioprine.
- Diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis due to Brucella melitensis was established.
- Successful treatment with systemic antibiotics led to inflammation resolution, but visual acuity remained poor due to permanent damage.
Conclusions:
- Infectious endophthalmitis, including that caused by Brucellosis, requires urgent recognition and treatment.
- Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of panuveitis, especially in endemic areas.
- Administering immunomodulatory therapy without excluding infectious causes can be detrimental.
