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Dermatology73 papers

Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis is an uncommon but serious intraocular infection typically associated with ocular surgeries or penetrating trauma, characterized by inflammation within the eye caused by this Gram-positive bacterium. 1

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Symptoms include ocular pain, redness, decreased vision, and signs of intraocular inflammation.
  • Microbiological Confirmation: Essential for diagnosis; requires vitreous or aqueous humor culture sensitive to P. acnes.
  • Fluorescence and Spectroscopy Techniques: Intracellular pH analysis using BCECF and 31P-NMR can provide insights into bacterial metabolism but are not diagnostic tools in clinical settings. 1
  • Management

  • Antibiotic Therapy: Intravitreal antibiotics such as vancomycin and ceftazidime are often used, though specific dosing for P. acnes is not detailed in the provided abstracts.
  • Systemic Antibiotics: Adjunctive systemic antibiotics targeting Gram-positive bacteria may be necessary, though specific recommendations are not provided here.
  • Surgical Intervention: Vitrectomy may be required in cases of severe infection or therapeutic failure. 1
  • Special Populations

  • No Specific Data: The provided abstracts do not offer specific guidance on management in pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly patients, or those with comorbidities. 1
  • Key Recommendations

  • Culture Sensitivity Testing: Essential for confirming P. acnes endophthalmitis and guiding targeted antibiotic therapy. (Evidence: Moderate) 1
  • Intravitreal Antibiotic Injection: Consider intravitreal administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics for initial treatment. (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
  • Monitor Intracellular pH Changes: While not clinically actionable, understanding intracellular pH dynamics using advanced techniques like BCECF and 31P-NMR can offer insights into bacterial behavior. (Evidence: Weak) 1
  • References

    1 Futsaether CM, Kjeldstad B, Johnsson A. Measurement of the intracellular pH of Propionibacterium acnes: comparison between the fluorescent probe BCECF and 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Canadian journal of microbiology 1993. link

    Original source

    1. [1]

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