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Isolation of Rhodococcus rhodochrous from a chronic corneal ulcer
1Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Complex, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Organisms belonging to Rhodococcus species have been isolated as the causative agent of infections in many animals and humans. The majority of the human infections so far reported have been limited to immunocompromised patients including AIDS patients. We report an elderly woman with a chronic corneal ulcer infected with Rhodococcus. To our knowledge there is no previous report on a Rhodococcus infection of the eye. Rarity of this type of infection by Rhodococcus in a locally immunocompromised site in an otherwise healthy individual prompted this case history.
Insights
Rhodococcus bacteria, typically causing infections in immunocompromised individuals, were found to infect the eye in an otherwise healthy elderly woman. This case highlights a rare instance of Rhodococcus keratitis, a previously unreported ocular infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rhodococcus species are known pathogens causing infections in both animals and humans.
- Human Rhodococcus infections predominantly affect immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Observation:
- A case of chronic corneal ulcer in an elderly woman is presented.
- The ulcer was found to be infected with Rhodococcus species.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of Rhodococcus infection affecting the eye.
- The infection occurred in a localized, immunocompromised site (cornea) in an otherwise healthy individual.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical presentations for Rhodococcus infections.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in ocular infections, even in seemingly healthy individuals.
- Further research may be warranted to understand Rhodococcus's potential for ocular pathogenicity.