Polymerase chain reaction detection of Neisseria meningitidis in the intraocular fluid of a patient with endogenous endophthalmitis but without associated meningitis.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with Neisseria meningitidis endophthalmitis without associated meningitis with full visual recovery, with early detection of the microorganism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case report.

PARTICIPANTS

One patient with endogenous endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction analysis and culture of the intraocular fluid sample. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed with a universal (16S rRNA) primer set to detect bacterial DNA, and subsequently a specific probe was used to detect Neisseria species DNA.

RESULTS

The 16S rRNA primers detected bacterial DNA, the specific probe detected Neisseria species DNA, and culture was positive for Neisseria meningitidis serotype C.

CONCLUSIONS

A universal bacterial PCR can be very helpful for the diagnosis of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis at an early stage of the disease.