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Exogenous Neisseria meningitidis endophthalmitis

D A Saperstein1, M D Bennett, J P Steinberg

  • 1Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. dsapers@emory-edu

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1997
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case study details Neisseria meningitidis endophthalmitis in an 81-year-old man with a leaking filtering bleb. Antibiotic therapy was successful, and contact prophylaxis was not recommended due to the non-invasive nature of the infection.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis can cause severe infections, including endophthalmitis.
  • Leaking filtering blebs following ocular surgery represent a potential route for exogenous bacterial entry.
  • Exogenous endophthalmitis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to preserve vision.

Observation:

  • An 81-year-old male patient with a chronic, leaking filtering bleb developed exogenous endophthalmitis.
  • The causative agent was identified as Neisseria meningitidis.

Findings:

  • The endophthalmitis was successfully treated with antibiotic therapy.
  • Prophylaxis for patient contacts was not recommended as the bacteria likely entered via the bleb, indicating a non-invasive strain.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering the route of bacterial entry when assessing the need for prophylaxis in Neisseria meningitidis endophthalmitis.
  • Non-invasive N. meningitidis infections, such as those associated with filtering blebs, may not warrant contact prophylaxis.
  • Endogenous or idiopathic N. meningitidis endophthalmitis may require different management strategies regarding contact prophylaxis.

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