Culture-Proven Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Injection: A 10-Year Analysis

To report on the microbiology, management, and visual outcomes of intravitreal injection (IVI)-associated, culture-proven endophthalmitis.

All patients seen at a tertiary referral center with culture-proven endophthalmitis associated with an IVI between June 2007 and July 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis.

Thirty-five patients with culture-positive endophthalmitis following IVI were identified. All gram-positive organisms (34 of 35) were susceptible to vancomycin. Cases due to pathogens associated with oral or respiratory flora were common (31.4%, n = 11), presented earlier (2.0 days vs. 4.6 days, P < .001), were more likely to undergo pars plana vitrectomy (81.8% vs. 25.0%, P = .002) and had worse visual acuity outcomes.

IVI-associated endophthalmitis pathogens and anti-microbial susceptibilities in the Pacific Northwest are similar to those reported from other geographic locations. Bacteria associated with the oral and respiratory flora are common isolates that result in a more aggressive course and worse visual outcomes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:33-38.].