Purpose.We report a case of bacterial keratitis secondary to an undescribed Bergeyella sp.Bergeyella spp.
are not easily cultured, and many reports have identified unculturable isolates through Dishtowels broad-range bacterial polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Observations.A healthy 29-year-old male was attempting to repair an acrylic cannabis water pipe when it shattered and a fragment hit him in the left eye.
Two weeks later, he presented with foreign body sensation, scleral injection, and photophobia that were refractory to prolonged corticosteroid therapy.Following a subconjunctival triamcinolone injection, the patient developed a hypopyon and multifocal, midstromal, epithelized corneal infiltrates.Broad-range PCR of the Ice Molds aqueous fluid detected deoxyribonucleic acid closely matching the Bergeyella genus.
Empiric treatment directed toward gram-negative bacteria led to the clinical resolution of the inflammation.Conclusions and Importance.This is the first reported case of ocular inflammation secondary to a Bergeyella spp.
As broad-range PCR testing becomes more accessible, we anticipate that additional PCR-positive and culture-negative scenarios will occur.