Streptococcus bovis causing perforating corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the first case of Streptococcus bovis causing a perforating corneal ulcer in a healthy adult.

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A healthy 77-year-old man presented with rapidly progressing corneal ulcer, resulting in perforation within 4 days. Preoperative and operative cultures isolated the same organism, S. bovis, susceptible only to vancomycin and ceftriaxone. The patient underwent a successful corneal transplantation, with histopathology revealing full-thickness necrosis and scattered bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a rare pathogen in ocular infections, we report a case of devastating corneal infection caused by S. bovis and highlight consideration of this pathogen in rapidly progressing corneal ulcers.