Outbreak of Ochrobactrum anthropi endophthalmitis following cataract surgery

SummaryPostoperative endophthalmitis often progresses to significant visual impairment. This paper describes an outbreak of Ochrobactrum anthropi endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, and propose a new sterilization protocol to minimize the risk of further cases. Medical records of patients with O. anthropi endophthalmitis or with suggestive clinical findings during the outbreak were reviewed. Seven cases of O. anthropi pseudophakic endophthalmitis were confirmed between 24 July and 10 November 2010. The most probable cause of the outbreak of Ochrobactrum anthropi endophthalmitis was contamination of the tubing of the phaco-emulsification machine. Following introduction of a new sterilization protocol, no further cases occurred in over 1000 subsequent procedures.