[Listeria monocytogenes-induced endogenous endophthalmitis in an otherwise healthy patient: PCR-assisted rapid diagnosis as the basis for successful therapy].

BACKGROUND

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare cause of endogenous endophthalmitis. Only 14 cases are published in the literature so far. All eyes showed similar clinical features and profound visual loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report on a case of an otherwise healthy 73-year-old male. He was referred to our hospital because of acute hypopyoniritis with secondary glaucoma. Within a few hours the severity of the intraocular infection increased dramatically resulting in the clinical picture of an acute endophthalmitis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Early identification of the causative pathogen in the aqueous humor after anterior chamber paracenthesis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the initiation of a specific, systemic antibiotic medication resulted in a complete recovery of visual acuity.