HYPERACUTE CUTIBACTERIUM ACNES ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Postoperative endophthalmitis is a severe complication following cataract surgery.
• The causative microbe often dictates the clinical presentation and timeline of endophthalmitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Cutibacterium acnes endophthalmitis with an unusually rapid onset.
• To highlight the importance of considering C. acnes in hyperacute endophthalmitis.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient who underwent cataract extraction.
• Clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of endophthalmitis were documented.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe symptoms and inflammation on postoperative day 1.
• Cultures confirmed Cutibacterium acnes as the causative agent.
• Treatment with antibiotics and steroids resulted in resolution of inflammation and improved visual acuity to 20/20.

Conclusions:

• Cutibacterium acnes can cause hyperacute postoperative endophthalmitis, deviating from its typical indolent course.
• Early clinical suspicion and prompt intervention are crucial for favorable visual prognoses in endophthalmitis.