Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Rickettsia conorii.
OBJECTIVE
We report herein the first confirmed case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Rickettsia conorii.


METHODS
Indirect immunofluorescence was performed in peripheral blood with antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. A vitreous aspirate was studied by indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and by direct immunofluorescence with conjugated antigen against Rickettsia conorii.


RESULTS
Indirect immunofluorescence in peripheral blood gave a titre of 1/320 at that moment and 1/640 fifteen days later. The vitreous aspirate studied by indirect immunofluorescence gave a titre of 1/620 and it showed a positive reaction to Rickettsia conorii antigen by direct immunofluorescence.


CONCLUSIONS
Rickettsia conorii should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis in areas where Mediterranean spotted fever is endemic.
Mendívil
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Cuartero
V
V
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D001907:Boutonneuse Fever / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012281:Rickettsia / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000382:microbiology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial