Multidrug-resistant bacteria induce recurrent keratoconjunctivitis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: We present a case study regarding a patient with recurrent keratoconjunctivitis that presented as an initial manifestation of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

METHODS

We describe a case and review the recent relevant medical literature.

RESULTS

A 33-year-old male had recurrent keratoconjunctivitis induced by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical vancomycin treatment was effective, but infection recurred when the vancomycin treatment was stopped. The patient was transferred to the Department of Medicine to rule out potential systemic immune diseases and was finally diagnosed with CVID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered, and the patient was followed up monthly without any recurrence of infection to date. IVIG will be administered monthly for the patient's lifetime.

CONCLUSIONS

Keratoconjunctivitis is a CVID-associated manifestation, sometimes appearing as the first presentation. CVID should be considered when unexplained recurrent conjunctival and/or corneal bacterial infections are observed. Topical therapy is not sufficient to treat this infection and IVIG is necessary.