Ocular infections caused by Providencia rettgeri.

PURPOSE: To report a series of patients with ocular infections caused by the rarely described gram-negative bacterium, Providencia rettgeri.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS: Five patients with ocular infections who grew P. rettgeri after culture (2 keratitis, 1 dacryocystitis, 1 conjunctivitis, 1 conjunctivitis/endophthalmitis).

METHODS: Microbiology culture results positive for P. rettgeri were cross-referenced to identify the patients with ocular infections. Medical records of these patients were carefully reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive analysis of each patient's history, potential risk factors, and clinical outcome.

RESULTS: Five eyes in 2 institutions were found to be culture positive for the gram-negative bacterium P. rettgeri. The organism may cause keratitis, dacryocystitis, conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis. Possible risk factors include a compromised ocular surface and coexisting medical morbidity, including urinary tract infections, recent hospitalizations, and an immunocompromised state. Culture and sensitivity profiles should guide treatment; resistant strains are being identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Infections caused by P. rettgeri, although rare, are responsible for ocular morbidity. This report describes patient attributes, risk factors, and outcomes that will be helpful to ophthalmologists treating ocular infections. P. rettgeri should be acknowledged as a source of ocular infection.