Two Cases of Polymicrobial Keratitis Involving Distinct and Unusual Anaerobes.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Corneal infections pose a significant global threat to vision.
• Accurate microbial identification is crucial for effective treatment.
• Traditional diagnostic methods and empiric therapies can be insufficient for rare or aggressive pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of keratitis caused by anaerobic bacteria.
• To illustrate diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with these infections.
• To emphasize the need for tailored antimicrobial strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing two patients with keratitis.
• Microbiological culture and susceptibility testing.
• Analysis of treatment regimens and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Two cases of severe keratitis involving anaerobic bacteria (Eikenella corrodens and Capnocytophaga species) are presented.
• These anaerobes were part of polymicrobial infections.
• Despite targeted antibiotic treatment based on susceptibility, both patients experienced permanent vision loss.

Conclusions:

• Rare anaerobic bacteria can cause severe keratitis.
• Polymicrobial infections involving anaerobes require specific antimicrobial susceptibility profiling.
• Even with tailored treatment, aggressive anaerobic corneal infections can lead to irreversible vision impairment.