Atypical Keratitis Caused by Rothia Dentocariosa

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report a case of atypical keratitis caused by Rothia dentocariosa.

Methods: Retrospective case review.

Results: A 49 year-old woman of South Asian descent presented with a non-discrete corneal ulcer with a small overlying epithelial defect in the right eye. Cultures were obtained, a topical fluoroquinolone was continued, and a topical steroid was added. The following day, the infiltrate was noted to have worsened and developed a branching appearance. Antifungals were initiated. The culture grew Rothia dentocariosa. A series of intrastromal cefuroxime injections, followed by topical penicillin G drops, led to complete resolution within 8 weeks. A review of the literature revealed only one previously reported case of Rothia dentocariosa keratitis.

Conclusions: Rothia dentocariosa may cause an atypical keratitis requiring a prolonged treatment course for resolution. In our case, a combination of cefuroxime and penicillin was effective.

Keywords:

• Atypical keratitis
• cefuroxime
• corneal ulcer
• penicillin
• Rothia dentocariosa

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.