Haemophilus Influenzae Endogenous Endophthalmitis in an Immunocompetent Host

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in an immunocompetent host.

Case report: A 13-year-old male presented with pain, blurriness, and decreased Visual Acuity (VA) of Hand Motion in his right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed hypopyon. Fundoscopy showed vitritis, vasculitis, and retinal infiltrates. Echography revealed vitreous condensations. Empirical treatment with intravitreal Ganciclovir, oral Valacyclovir, and Dexamethasone was initiated with no improvement. Vitreous culture revealed Haemophilus influenzae growth. Then, intravenous Ciprofloxacin and Cefotaxime and intravitreal Ceftazidime were administered with gradual improvement. Lensectomy with Pars Plana Vitrectomy and intraocular tamponade was performed. Nevertheless, the visual outcome was poor.

Conclusion: Pediatric endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis is a rare but potentially devastating infection which is often misdiagnosed. Moreover, we want to highlight the importance of an adequate clinical suspicion in cases of H. influenzae to prevent the serious complications seen in this report.

KEYWORDS:

• Endophthalmitis
• endogenous
• haemophilus influenzae
• ocular inflammation

Declaration of interest

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