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Flavobacterium endophthalmitis following keratoplasty. Use of a tissue culture medium-stored cornea
Abstract:
This case of Falvobacterium meningosepticum endophthalmitis in the immediate postoperative period following a penetrating keratoplasty represents the first known isolation of F meningosepticum from the eye and, also, our first encounter with bacterial endophthalmitis following keratoplasty. This case occurred soon after conversion from whole eye moist chamber storage to tissue culture storage (McCarey-Kaufman medium). This storage technique may predispose to development of postoperative endophthalmitis. We offer suggestions to minimize the possibility of such infection.
Insights
This study reports the first case of *Flavobacterium meningosepticum* endophthalmitis after corneal transplant surgery. A new tissue storage method may increase the risk of this rare eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Penetrating keratoplasty, or corneal transplant surgery, is a common procedure to restore vision.
- Bacterial endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Standardization of tissue storage methods is crucial for preventing post-operative complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of *Flavobacterium meningosepticum* endophthalmitis occurred in the immediate postoperative period following penetrating keratoplasty.
- This marks the first reported isolation of *F. meningosepticum* from an ocular infection.
- The infection followed a change in corneal tissue storage from moist chamber to McCarey-Kaufman medium.
Findings:
- *Flavobacterium meningosepticum* can cause severe postoperative endophthalmitis after corneal transplantation.
- The McCarey-Kaufman medium storage technique may be associated with an increased risk of bacterial contamination and subsequent infection.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are critical for managing endophthalmitis.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should consider *F. meningosepticum* in the differential diagnosis of postoperative endophthalmitis, especially after corneal transplantation.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different corneal tissue storage methods.
- Implementing enhanced protocols for tissue handling and storage may help prevent rare but devastating infections like endophthalmitis following keratoplasty.