Salmonella Typhi Associated Endogenous Endophthalmitis: A Case Report and a Review of Literature

Abstract

Aim: To report a rare case of Salmonella typhi associated endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent male and to review the available literature.

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: A 28-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a 3-day-old history of pain, redness and diminished vision in his left eye. Conjunctival chemosis, corneal haze, and hypopyon were noted and yellowish exudates filled the vitreous cavity. A detailed elicitation of history revealed that patient had been treated for enteric fever that presented with diarrhea and fever, two weeks prior to current presentation. Blood and vitreous cultures grew Gram negative bacilli, identified as S. typhi. Despite intensive intravitreal and systemic antibiotic therapy, an evisceration had to be performed.

Conclusions: Endogenous endophthalmitis can be one of the rare sequelae of enteric fever and may present in the acute and relapsing phases and often times have a rapidly fulminant course with poor visual outcomes.

Keywords: Endogenous endophthalmitis; Salmonella; Widal; evisceration; infection; septicemia; typhoid fever.