Anterior chamber sterilization may not prevent endophthalmitis

This retrospective, case-control study examined the relationship between anterior chamber sterilization and vitreous positivity rate in cultures taken from 229 endophthalmitis cases.

The anterior chamber and vitreous displayed poor concordance. As a result, anterior chamber findings were in no way helpful at indicating or predicting vitreous positivity or negativity rates. Gram positive isolates demonstrated in vitro resistance to moxifloxacin (47.1 percent), ciprofloxacin (43.4 percent), gatifloxacin (36.8 percent), levofloxacin (29.0 percent), gentamicin (19.2 percent), and ceftazidime (16.7 percent).

The authors conclude that use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to sterilize the ocular surface and protect the vitreous may not prevent endophthalmitis. They also call for further study of intracameral cefuroxime for the prevention of endophthalmitis.