Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Actinomyces neuii

Abstract

Uneventful phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable, acrylic posterior chamber intraocular lens was performed in the right eye of a 73-year-old white man. Postoperatively, the patient developed a chronic, low-grade intraocular inflammation. Cultures from the aqueous specimen grew Actinomyces neuii, an unusual gram-positive bacillus. The low-grade intraocular inflammation persisted with intensive topical steroid-antibiotic medication and systemic antibiotics. A diagnostic, 3-port, pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and aqueous aspirate specimens were sent for culture and sensitivity and to look for abnormal cells. Intracameral antibiotics were not injected. The specimens were sterile to culture, and chronic inflammatory cells were reported on the vitreous specimen. On examination 6 months later, inflammation had not recurred and the best corrected visual acuity was 6/18.