Postoperative Exogenous Endophthalmitis Caused By Escherichia Coli: a Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Aim: We report a rare case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Escherichia coli. Case description: The diagnosis of postoperative endophthalmitis in our patient was established based on the clinical signs of hypopyon along with vitritis. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, anterior chamber washout, intraocular lens removal, and intravitreal antibiotics (amikacin and vancomycin) injection. The culture of both the vitreous sample and the intraocular lens, revealed a heavy growth of Escherichia coli. Conclusion:Escherichia coli is an unusual microorganism to cause postoperative endophthalmitis. A major breach in the sterilization may explain this infection. Proper sterilization and prophylactic measures are crucial to avoid this disastrous complication.

Plain Language Summary

Endophthalmitis is a rare catastrophic sight threatening complication after cataract surgery. It is commonly caused by Gram–positive bacteria. In this rare case report, we present a case of postoperative cataract surgery caused by Escherichia coli; a Gram-negative bacteria. Proper prophylactic measures in the operation rooms along with proper prophylactic antibiotics may aid in avoiding such complications by such rare microorganism.

Keywords:

• endogenous
• endophthalmitis
• Escherichia coli
• exogenous

Author contributions

All authors contributed significantly and in agreement with the content of the article. All authors were involved in project design, data collection, analysis, statistical analysis, data interpretation and writing the manuscript. All authors presented substantial contributions to the article and participated of correction and final approval of the version to be submitted.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.