Pasteurella multocida endophthalmitis: Case report and review of the literature

Background: Postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis is caused by the patient's endogenous flora in most cases (80%). Pasteurella multocida (PM) is a Gram-negative coccobacillus found in the upper respiratory tract of dogs and cats and is very rarely implicated in postoperative endophthalmitis. History and signs: We describe a case of PM endophthalmitis that developed after cataract surgery. Therapy and outcome: Cultures of both the conjunctiva and the aqueous humor were positive for PM. Topical, intravitreous and intravenous antibiotics were administered. Despite treatment, the outcome was unfavourable and complicated by a corneal perforation. Conclusions: The prognosis of postoperative PM endophthalmitis remains poor, despite adequate treatment of the infection. A history of recent pet exposure should alert physicians to this possible aetiological factor.