Microbiologic spectrum and susceptibility of isolates: part I. Postoperative endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis Research Group.

Abstract

To present the microbial spectrum and susceptibilities of isolates in postoperative endophthalmitis. Isolates from 206 eyes of 206 patients who underwent vitrectomy for postoperative endophthalmitis were examined. One-hundred twelve (54.4%) of 206 vitreous samples were culture positive and 14 (12.5%) of 112 culture-positive cases were polymicrobial, yielding a total of 126 isolates. Isolates included 59 (46.8%) gram-positive cocci, eight (6.3%) gram-positive bacilli, 33 (26.2%) gram-negative organisms, five (4.0%) Actino-mycetes-related organisms, and 21 (16.7%) fungi. Susceptibilities to amikacin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and vancomycin are reported. This is the largest, single-center, prospective series on microbial susceptibilities in postoperative endophthalmitis. We report a high prevalence of gram-negative species and fungi, suggesting that empiric therapy should include coverage for gram-negative pathogens and for fungal pathogens in appropriate settings.