Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular inflammation, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
• Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterium that can cause serious infections, including endophthalmitis.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old man presented with acute anterior chamber inflammation in his left eye.
• Vitreous aspirate cultures confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
• No history of ocular trauma or identifiable distant infection source was noted.
• The patient showed no signs of underlying immunocompromise.

Findings:

• The case represents spontaneous or idiopathic Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis.
• The absence of predisposing factors makes this case unusual.
• The infection was localized to the anterior chamber and vitreous.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for Listeria monocytogenes to cause endophthalmitis even in immunocompetent individuals without obvious risk factors.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for successful management of Listeria endophthalmitis.
• Further research may be needed to elucidate potential subtle risk factors or transmission routes for idiopathic cases.