Rapid detection of experimental E. coli endophthalmitis by the Limulus lysate test

Experimental E. coli endophthalmitis was produced in rabbits. The Limulus lysate test was applied to aqueous and vitreous samples at various intervals after the intravitreal injection of E. coli organisms. Results indicated that this test is feasible using vitreous and aqueous samples. The Limulus test was positive for E. coli endotoxin within hours after infection, requiring only 1 hr to determine the presence of endotoxin after sampling. This test may have some value in the rapid diagnosis of gram-negative endophthalmitis.