Related Experiment Videos
Capnocytophaga endophthalmitis
P E Rubsamen1, W M McLeish, S Pflugfelder
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Purpose:
This article presents three patients with endophthalmitis associated with infection with Capnocytophaga species.
Methods:
The medical records of three patients with culture-positive Capnocytophaga endophthalmitis were reviewed. A panel of isolates of Capnocytophaga were then tested for sensitivity to third-generation cephalosporins.
Results:
Endophthalmitis with Capnocytophaga species developed in three patients. Infection in the setting of sepsis developed in one patient. Two other patients, one with a penetrating injury and another with keratitis in association with a corneal graft, developed mixed infection with Capnocytophaga being the predominant infecting organism by culture. Two patients recovered vision with clearance of the infection. The third patient underwent enucleation. Capnocytophaga was found to be sensitive to several of the third-generation cephalosporins. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of endophthalmitis with Capnocytophaga species.
Conclusion:
Capnocytophaga species, previously shown to cause necrotizing keratitis, is a potential cause of endophthalmitis, either as a single organism or as part of a mixed infection.
Insights
Capnocytophaga species can cause endophthalmitis, an infection within the eye, potentially leading to vision loss. Prompt treatment with cephalosporins may be effective in managing Capnocytophaga eye infections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Capnocytophaga species are known to cause necrotizing keratitis.
- Endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection that can lead to vision loss.
Observation:
- Three cases of endophthalmitis caused by Capnocytophaga species are presented.
- Infection occurred as a single organism or in mixed infections, associated with sepsis, penetrating injury, or corneal graft keratitis.
- Capnocytophaga isolates demonstrated sensitivity to third-generation cephalosporins.
Findings:
- Capnocytophaga species can be a cause of endophthalmitis.
- Two patients regained vision, while one required enucleation.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial.
Implications:
- Capnocytophaga should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endophthalmitis, particularly in patients with risk factors.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for Capnocytophaga endophthalmitis.