Alcaligenes xylosoxidans conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of chronic unilateral conjunctivitis caused by Alcaligenes xylosoxidans.

METHODS

A previously healthy 47-year-old woman presented with left eye purulent discharge and irritation beginning 3 months earlier. The patient had previously been treated with bacitracin and olopatadine without improvement. Bacterial staining, culture, and antibiotic sensitivities were performed from a conjunctival swab.

RESULTS

The cultures revealed heavy growth of A. xylosoxidans. The organism was resistant to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins. The patient was started on polytrim, but an allergic reaction forced the use of topical Timentin 2%. After 14 days of treatment, the infection completely resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an external ocular infection caused by A. xylosoxidans in a host without predisposing risk factors and the first case report of isolated conjunctivitis caused by A. xylosoxidans. A. xylosoxidans should be considered a rare but potential pathogen capable of producing chronic conjunctivitis in an otherwise healthy host.