Experimental intraocular nocardiosis.

We attempted to produce intraocular nocardiosis in rabbits. The clinical features and evolution of the disease and the role of corticosteroids was observed. N. asteroides suspension when injected into the anterior chamber produced a self limited nodular iridocyclitis. Local or systemic corticosteroids produced a severe anterior uveitis and progressive endophthalmitis. The organisms could be demonstrated from aqueous smears at the time of enucleation. When the suspension was injected into the vitreous cavity, it produced endophthalmitis. Local or systemic corticosteroids administration suppressed the anterior uveal inflammation and produced a purulent subconjunctival granuloma.