Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis post penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable lens wearer.
OBJECTIVE
We report a case of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis following penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearer.


METHODS
A 61 year old RGP lens wearer with a history of nonresponsive keratitis of the right eye which involved the graft margin was referred to us for treatment. Corneal cultures revealed growth of a gram-negative rod on the fifth day and the organism was subsequently identified as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, which was resistant to most antibiotics and sensitive only to Bactrim, Timentin, and imipenem.


RESULTS
Clinical improvement was observed within 24 hours after treatment with the use of topical i.v. Bactrim and topical i.v. Timentin 2% alternating every 30 minutes. Complete resolution of the infection with mild scarring was observed 6 weeks after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a potential cause of bacterial keratitis which should be considered in cases of nonresponsive gram-negative keratitis. The addition of topical Bactrim or Timentin may need to be considered in such cases.
Lin
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0284, USA.
Driebe
W T
WT
Polack
P
P
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000421:Alcaligenes / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002969:Clavulanic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010539:Permeability; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013982:Ticarcillin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002969:Clavulanic Acids; D005740:Gases; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; C043215:ticarcillin-clavulanic acid; D013982:Ticarcillin