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[Positive corneal findings of Propioni bacterium acnes and keratitis]
C Morel1, S Harrabi, C Chaumeil
1Service d'Hospitalisation V, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris.
Purpose:
Propioni bacterium Acnes may be isolated from corneal specimens. Its presence usually evokes a neighbouring tissue contamination. Nevertheless we have tried to find arguments in favour of a possible pathological responsibility of this microorganism in corneal affections.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted in thirty patients with proved P. acnes corneal infection. The specimens were collected immediately during the first examination in the emergency ward. The research of anaerobic bacteria was made for each corneal specimen.
Results:
We studied nineteen corneal abscesses and eleven corneal ulcers. Ninety-one percent of the cases presented an associated irritating factor. In decreasing order we found: wearing of soft contact lenses (36%), foreign corneal body still in situ or recently removed (21%), recurrent corneal erosions (9%), palpebral surgery (6%), herpetic keratitis (6%) or rosacea (3%). P. acnes was the only microorganism identified in 97% of the cases. Starting treatment before bacteriological results were known to be effective in each case.
Conclusions:
These elements are an argument for the pathological role of P. acnes in corneal infections when combined with favourable local conditions. Its presence does not always mean actual contamination.
Insights
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can cause corneal infections, especially with pre-existing eye conditions. This study supports P. acnes as a pathogen in corneal disease, not just contamination.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is often found in corneal specimens.
- Its presence is typically attributed to contamination of adjacent tissues.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathological role of P. acnes in corneal infections.
- To identify factors associated with P. acnes corneal disease.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 30 patients with P. acnes corneal infections was conducted.
- Ninety-one percent of cases had an associated predisposing factor, including contact lens wear and corneal trauma.
- P. acnes was the sole microorganism identified in 97% of cases.
Impact:
- Findings support P. acnes as a causative agent in corneal infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering P. acnes in corneal disease, especially with risk factors.
- Early treatment initiation proved effective in all cases.