Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Rickettsia conorii.

PURPOSE: We report herein the first confirmed case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Rickettsia conorii.

METHODS

Indirect immunofluorescence was performed in peripheral blood with antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. A vitreous aspirate was studied by indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and by direct immunofluorescence with conjugated antigen against Rickettsia conorii.

RESULTS

Indirect immunofluorescence in peripheral blood gave a titre of 1/320 at that moment and 1/640 fifteen days later. The vitreous aspirate studied by indirect immunofluorescence gave a titre of 1/620 and it showed a positive reaction to Rickettsia conorii antigen by direct immunofluorescence.

CONCLUSION

Rickettsia conorii should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis in areas where Mediterranean spotted fever is endemic.