Ulcerative keratitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae.

PURPOSE

To report the clinical course, treatments, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes for eyes with ulcerative keratitis caused by Haemophlilus influenzae.

METHODS

The medical records of 10 patients with culture-proven H. influenzae-associated corneal ulcer in a tertiary referral center in a 5-year period (1998-2003) were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age was 61 years (range, 2-83 years). The mean follow-up time was 9.4 months (range, 2-31 months). Risk factors such as previous surgeries (5), herpes simplex keratitis (2), leukoma adherens with calcification (1), and exposure keratitis (1) were identified in 9 patients. In vitro testing of the H. influenzae isolates showed that 6 of 10 were resistant to ampicillin; all were sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime. All cases responded well to medical antibiotic treatment. Final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ranged from no light perception to 20/30.

CONCLUSION

H. influenzae is a rare cause of corneal ulceration. Predisposing factors for infection are usually present. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may preserve ocular integrity and visual acuity.