Pigmented hypopyon in association with Listeria monocytogenes endopthalmitis: an interesting case report following refractive surgery procedure with literature review

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jan-Mar;21(1):40-3. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.124090.

Abstract

Purpose: Listeria monocytogenes is an aerobic, motile, gram positive bacillus recognized as an intercellular pathogen in human where it most frequently affects neonates, pregnant women, elderly patients, and immunosuppressed individuals as well as healthy persons. Ocular listeriosis is rare, most frequently in the form of conjunctivitis, but has been also shown to cause rarely endophthalmitis with pigmented hypopyon and elevated intraocular pressure such as in our case.

Materials and methods: We are reporting one immunocompetent patient presenting with dark hypopyon following laser refractive procedure. His clinical findings, investigations, and further management are all described with relevant literature review of similar cases.

Results: Diagnosis of ocular listeriosis was confirmed by positive culture of anterior chamber (AC) aspirate with identification of the above organism. His visual outcome was satisfactory with good preserved vision.

Conclusion: We believe that his ocular infection was exogenous and that ophthalmologists should be aware of the causative organisms of colored hypopyon to avoid delayed diagnosis.

Keywords: Endophthalmitis; Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis; Listeria; Pigmented Hypopyon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / microbiology*
  • Adult
  • Anterior Chamber / microbiology*
  • Anterior Chamber / pathology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Endophthalmitis / diagnosis
  • Endophthalmitis / drug therapy
  • Endophthalmitis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Listeria monocytogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Listeriosis / diagnosis
  • Listeriosis / drug therapy
  • Listeriosis / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Penicillin G / therapeutic use
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Postoperative Complications*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillin G