Infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Gemella haemolysans.

PURPOSE

To report a novel case of infectious crystalline keratopathy after penetrating keratoplasty caused by Gemella haemolysans.

METHODS

Observational case report. Patient notes and literature review.

RESULTS

A 51-year-old woman presented with the clinical picture of infectious crystalline keratopathy 18 months after a second penetrating keratoplasty was performed for corneal decompensation secondary to recurrent herpes simplex infection. Corneal biopsy yielded a heavy growth of G. haemolysans. Initial treatment was made up of frequent topical vancomycin 0.5% and was later changed to topical cefuroxime 5% and ofloxacin 0.3%. Snellen visual acuity after complete resolution of the keratitis was 6/60 as a result of a residual corneal scar.

CONCLUSIONS

Gemella haemolysans may be an etiologic agent in infectious crystalline keratopathy. A corneal biopsy may be diagnostic but may also promote healing by allowing direct access of antibiotics to deep-seated infected tissue and by altering the growth environment of the organism.