Microbiologic spectrum and susceptibility of isolates: part I. Postoperative endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis Research Group.

PURPOSE: To present the microbial spectrum and susceptibilities of isolates in postoperative endophthalmitis.

METHOD: Isolates from 206 eyes of 206 patients who underwent vitrectomy for postoperative endophthalmitis were examined.

RESULTS: One-hundred twelve (54.4%) of 206 vitreous samples were culture positive and 14 (12.5%) of 112 culture-positive cases were polymicrobial, yielding a total of 126 isolates. Isolates included 59 (46.8%) gram-positive cocci, eight (6.3%) gram-positive bacilli, 33 (26.2%) gram-negative organisms, five (4.0%) Actino-mycetes-related organisms, and 21 (16.7%) fungi. Susceptibilities to amikacin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and vancomycin are reported.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest, single-center, prospective series on microbial susceptibilities in postoperative endophthalmitis. We report a high prevalence of gram-negative species and fungi, suggesting that empiric therapy should include coverage for gram-negative pathogens and for fungal pathogens in appropriate settings.