Microbiologic spectrum and susceptibility of isolates: Part I. Postoperative endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: To present the microbial spectrum and susceptibilities of isolates in postoperative endophthalmitis. METHOD: Isolates from 206 eyes of 206 patients who underwent vitrectomy for postoperative endophthalmitis were examined. RESULTS: 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 (46.5%) grampositive cocci, eight (6.3%) gram-positive bacilli, 33 (26.2%) gram-negative organisms, five (4.0%). Actinomycetes-related organisms, and 21 (16.7%) fungi. Susceptibilities to amikacin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and vancomycin are reported, CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest, single-center, prospective series on microbial susceptibilities in postoperative endophthalmitis. We report a high prevalence of gramnegative species and fungi, suggesting that empiric therapy should include coverage for gram-negative pathogens and for fungal pathogens in appropriate settings. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.