Pasteurella multocida endophthalmitis: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis is caused by the patient's endogenous flora in most cases (80 %). Pasteurella multocida (PM) is a Gram-negative coccobacillus found in the upper respiratory tract of dogs and cats and is very rarely implicated in postoperative endophthalmitis.

HISTORY AND SIGNS: We describe a case of PM endophthalmitis that developed after cataract surgery.

THERAPY AND OUTCOME: Cultures of both the conjunctiva and the aqueous humor were positive for PM. Topical, intravitreous and intravenous antibiotics were administered. Despite treatment, the outcome was unfavourable and complicated by a corneal perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of postoperative PM endophthalmitis remains poor, despite adequate treatment of the infection. A history of recent pet exposure should alert physicians to this possible aetiological factor.