Aeromonas sobria endophthalmitis

Abstract

Background: Aeromonas sobria causes a rare Gram-negative bacterial water-borne infection. It has been found in waters of North Queensland and South-east Asia. Of all Aeromonas species, A. sobria is the most virulent and invasive and has been reported to cause soft tissue infection and corneal ulcer.

Methods: A 14-year-old Caucasian male from North Queensland presented following a penetrating eye injury in which a water bird (cormorant species) had pecked his eye while he was fishing. A fulminant endophthalmitis developed despite treatment with intravenous, intravitreal and topical antibiotics and initial wound repair. Enucleation was performed.

Results: Aeromonas sobria was isolated from the vitreous aspirate.

Conclusion: Aeromonas sobria infection should be suspected in water-contaminated penetrating eye injuries. The prognosis in this case was poor.