Rothia Mucilaginosa Endophthalmitis Associated With iStent Inject Implantation

Abstract

Postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Rothia mucilaginosa, a gram-positive, coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae of the oropharyngeal flora, is rare and all previously reported intraocular implant-related cases have resulted in evisceration. R. mucilaginosa endophthalmitis has also not been described with any glaucoma implant device. Here, the authors report a case of subacute R. mucilaginosa endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification with implantation of an intraocular lens and the iStent inject (Glaukos). The infection was managed with intravitreal antibiotic injections, pars plana vitrectomy, and intraocular lens and iStent explantations. This was followed by a second pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade for a tractional retinal detachment. Nine months after the initial presentation, vision in the affected eye was partially preserved, and the globe remained intact. R. mucilaginosa infections are associated with grave outcomes due to biofilm formation on infected implants, and as such, removal of infected implants is advised.