Propionibacterium Acnes Endophthalmitis

Background & objective Endophthalmitis due to Propionibacterium acnes following cataract surgery has infrequently been reported. This is due to the difficulty in isolating this organism because of its sequestration in the posterior capsular bag. The objective was to isolate and identify this rare micro-aerophilic organism, P acnes from 2 cases of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery with intra-ocular implant. Methods Thorough clinical examination was conducted on the two cases of endophthalmitis occuring after 2 and 3 months of surgery respectively. Vitreous specimens were cultured under micro-aerophilic conditions. Bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity were performed by recommended procedures. Results P. acnes was isolated on both the occasions. Both the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime, but resistant to vancomycin and aminoglycosides. Interpretation & Conclusion P. acnes can cause post-operative endophthalmitis and should be suspected especially in late onset cases. Being sequestered in the capsular bag, it can create serious problems in management.