Endophthalmitis caused by Mycobacterium houstonense: case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Mycobacterium houstonense is rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) that belongs to M. fortuitum group. So far, there have been few associated reports of human diseases induced by M. houstonense worldwide. Case presentation We present a delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis caused by M. houstonense after glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery. The ocular infection lasted for 2 months without appropriate treatment that developed into endophthalmitis and the patient underwent an emergency enucleation. Conclusion Implant erosion and a delay in diagnosis of ocular infection could lead to irreversible damage as observed in our case. Ophthalmologists should be alert for ocular RGM infection, and prompt laboratory diagnosis with initiation of effective multidrug therapy might prevent loss of vision.

Keywords

• Mycobacteria houstonense
• Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM)
• Glaucoma drainage implant
• Conjunctival erosion
• Endophthalmitis