Pasteurella Multocida Panophthalmitis: A Devastating Sequela of an Industrial Penetrating Injury

Pasteurella multocida is a rare but aggressive causative organism in panophthalmitis. It is commonly transmitted to humans through contact with cats and dogs as a result of bites or scratches. We report a rare case of panophthalmitis due to P. multocida following an industrial penetrating injury. A previously healthy 40-year-old steel factory operator developed a right eye penetrating injury after being struck accidentally by a piece of iron wire which flew into his eye during work. He complained of immediate blurring of vision and severe pain in the affected eye. During history taking, he mentioned that many stray cats wandered around his workplace, although he had no direct contact with these animals. On examination, the best-corrected visual acuity was light perception in the right eye. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed injected conjunctiva and a full-thickness macerated corneal laceration wound. The anterior chamber appeared shallow with the presence of lens matter. He was treated promptly with surgical repair along with intracameral and intravenous antibiotics for six hours post-trauma. His eye condition, however, deteriorated postoperatively despite aggressive treatment with further topical, intravitreal, and systemic antibiotics. This is the first reported case of ocular P. multocida panophthalmitis secondary to industrial penetrating injury. Our case highlights the rapidly progressive nature of P. multocida infection. It should always be considered due to the very serious nature of infection as well as its resistance to standard antibiotic treatment regimens.