Postoperative Aspergillus Infection: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure with a low risk of infection.
• Fungal infections, particularly Aspergillus, can occur postoperatively, even with uneventful procedures.
• Pauci-symptomatic presentations of fungal endophthalmitis can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of pauci-symptomatic Aspergillus infections following cataract surgery.
• To identify potential sources and risk factors for postoperative Aspergillus infections.
• To evaluate the efficacy of antifungal therapy in these cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 11 patients with Aspergillus infection after cataract surgery.
• Collection of intracameral samples for microscopy and culture.
• Swabs from the operating room and consumables were analyzed to identify the source of infection.

Main Results:

• Eleven eyes of 11 patients were analyzed, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months.
• All patients achieved complete recovery with local and systemic voriconazole therapy.
• Air-conditioning vents were identified as the probable source of infection.
• Manual small incision cataract surgery was associated with a higher incidence of infection.

Conclusions:

• Pauci-symptomatic Aspergillus infection is a potential complication following cataract surgery.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment with voriconazole are effective.
• Environmental control, specifically air-conditioning systems, is crucial in preventing postoperative fungal infections.