Cryptococcus laurentii endogenous endophthalmitis post COVID-19 infection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology

Background:

• Endogenous endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection.
• Diabetes and recent infections are risk factors for endogenous endophthalmitis.
• Bacterial causes are more common, but fungal etiologies must be considered.

Observation:

• A diabetic male presented with progressive blurred vision and dense vitritis.
• Initial treatment for bacterial endophthalmitis was unsuccessful.
• Worsening symptoms and retinal deposits suggested an alternative diagnosis.

Findings:

• Repeat vitreous biopsy and culture identified *Cryptococcus laurentii* as the causative agent.
• Intravitreal voriconazole was administered for suspected fungal endophthalmitis.
• *Cryptococcus laurentii* is a rare cause of endogenous endophthalmitis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis in endophthalmitis.
• Early identification and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for visual recovery.
• Ophthalmologists should consider fungal infections, particularly *Cryptococcus*, in complex endophthalmitis cases.