Chronic, Postoperative Pseudomonas luteola Endophthalmitis

Abstract

An interventional case report is described of a patient with chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by the gram-negative aerobic rod Pseudomonas luteola. A 61-year-old developed slowly progressive blurring of vision, hypopyon, and vitritis following cataract surgery. Diagnostic vitrectomy and intraocular lens explantation were performed. The undiluted vitreous samples and explanted lens were analyzed. Aerobic cultures revealed moderate growth of P. luteola. The patient responded to intravitreal injections of piperacillin/tazobactam and oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxasole. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from hand motions to 20/40. A repeat anterior chamber tap was negative. P. luteola may be a relatively nonvirulent cause of chronic endophthalmitis. Good visual outcomes may be obtained with appropriate therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Cataract
• endophthalmitis
• Pseudomonas luteola
• vitrectomy