Microbiology and management of Staphylococcus aureus lacrimal system infections: A 10-year retrospective study.

Purpose: To assess the in vitro efficacy of common antimicrobial agents used empirically for methicillin- resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA) infections of the lacrimal system.

Methods: A retrospective review of culture-proven S. aureus isolates retrieved from lacrimal system samples collected between January 2013-December 2022 was performed.

Enhancing Rose Bengal penetration in human corneas using iontophoresis.

Rose Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) has poor corneal penetration, limiting its efficacy against acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Iontophoresis enhances corneal permeation of charged molecules, piquing interest in its effects on RB in human corneas. Five donor whole globes each underwent iontophoresis with RB, soaking in RB, or were soaked in normal saline (controls).

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis.

Importance: Evaluation of the microbiological diagnostic profile of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis and potential management with rose bengal-photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) is important.

Objective: To document the disease progression of carbapenemase-resistant P aeruginosa keratitis after an artificial tear contamination outbreak.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This retrospective observation case series included 9 patients 40 years or older who presented at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and had positive test results for multidrug-resistant P aeruginosa keratitis between January 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023.

Variations in irradiation energy and rose bengal concentration for photodynamic antimicrobial therapy of fungal keratitis isolates.

The purpose is to assess the efficacy of rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) using different irradiation energy levels and photosensitizer concentrations for the inhibition of fungal keratitis isolates. Seven different fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium keratoplasticum, Fusarium solani, Paecilomyces variotii, and Pseudallescheria boydii) were isolated from patients with confirmed infectious keratitis. Experiments were performed in triplicate with suspensions of each fungus exposed to different PDAT parameters including a control, green light exposure of 5.

Phylogenetic and Recombination Analysis of Clinical Vitreous Humor-Derived Adenovirus Isolates Reveals Discordance Between Serotype and Phylogeny.

Purpose: To sequence, identify, and perform phylogenetic and recombination analysis on three clinical adenovirus samples taken from the vitreous humor at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Methods: The PacBio Sequel II was used to sequence the genomes of the three clinical adenovirus isolates. To identify the isolates, a full genome-based multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of 722 mastadenoviruses was generated using multiple alignment using fast Fourier transform (MAFFT).

OUTCOMES OF INFECTIOUS PANUVEITIS ASSOCIATED WITH SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-POSITIVE OCULAR FLUID POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION.

Purpose: To evaluate features of infectious panuveitis associated with multiple pathogens detected by ocular fluid sampling.

Methods: Single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series of patients with aqueous/vitreous polymerase chain reaction testing with >1 positive result in a single sample from 2001 to 2021.

Results: Of 1,588 polymerase chain reaction samples, 28 (1.

Role of Topical 5-Fluorouracil in Demodex -Associated Blepharitis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report clinical observations suggesting the efficacy of topical 1% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating Demodex -associated blepharitis.

Methods: An observational retrospective review of 13 eyes from 13 individuals with conjunctival neoplastic lesions and concomitant Demodex lash infestation that received topical 1% 5-FU eye drops. Patients underwent slit-lamp examination at each follow-up visit.

Endophthalmitis caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC): clinical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibilities, and treatment outcomes.

Purpose: To report the clinical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibilities, and review the literature of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) associated endophthalmitis.

Study Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Methods: Clinical and microbiology records were reviewed for patients evaluated at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and diagnosed wisth culture-confirmed endophthalmitis due to BCC.

Endophthalmitis caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC): Clinical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibilities, and treatment outcomes.

Purpose: To report the clinical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibilities, and review the literature of complex () associated endophthalmitis.

Study Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Methods: Clinical and microbiology records were reviewed for patients evaluated at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and diagnosed with culture-confirmed endophthalmitis due to .

Phylogenetic and Genomic Characterization of Whole Genome Sequences of Ocular Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Isolates Identifies Possible Virulence Determinants in Humans.

Purpose: There are limited data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) virulence genes in ocular isolates. Here, we sequenced 36 HSV-1 ocular isolates, collected by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, a university-based eye hospital, from three different ocular anatomical sites (conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelid) and carried out a genomic and phylogenetic analyses.

Methods: The PacBio Sequel II long read platform was used for genome sequencing.

Outcomes of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Keratitis After Clear Corneal Incision Phacoemulsification Surgery: A Case Series of 6 Eyes in South Florida.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present the successful management and outcomes in a series of 6 cases of culture-positive nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis after clear corneal incision phacoemulsification surgery.

Methods: This is a case series of 6 consecutive eyes that presented at the Cornea Division at an academic institution, diagnosed with culture-positive nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis after phacoemulsification surgery.

Results: Six eyes of 5 patients were included.

Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Review of the Intermediate-Term Clinical and Surgical Outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate the intermediate-term clinical outcomes of Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB-PDAT) for infectious keratitis; secondarily, to evaluate the surgical outcomes of individuals who underwent optical keratoplasty after RB-PDAT.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Method: A retrospective chart review was performed of 31 eyes from 30 consecutive individuals with infectious keratitis refractory to standard medical therapy who underwent RB-PDAT at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 2016 and July 2020.

Endophthalmitis Caused by .

is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium, which has been rarely reported to cause endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, intravitreal injections, penetrating ocular trauma, and also secondary to endogenous sources. Visual prognosis is often guarded, with no previous cases reporting a final visual acuity better than 20/60. We describe a young female patient who developed culture-proven endophthalmitis associated with a traumatic scleral rupture.

Acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed by resident and attending physicians at a university teaching hospital.

Purpose: To evaluate acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and to compare rates between resident and attending physician-performed cohorts.

Setting: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Role of corneal biopsy in the management of infectious keratitis.

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this study was to review the existing literature and investigate the role of microbiologic culture and histopathologic examination of corneal biopsies in the management of infectious keratitis.

Recent Findings: Corneal biopsy continues to be a significantly useful tool in the diagnosis and tailored management of infectious keratitis. Several techniques can be employed for tissue collection, handling and processing to optimize diagnostic yield and maximize safety, including emerging femtosecond laser-assisted biopsy.

Brief incubation of corneal grafts in activated platelet rich plasma enhances corneal endothelial cell survival and regeneration.

Corneal transplantation is the most frequent organ transplantation worldwide. Unfortunately, corneal graft failure is common and endothelial decompensation is considered the major cause. Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) lack the capacity to reproduce, and perioperative and postoperative endothelial cell loss remains a significant challenge associated with corneal graft viability.

Nocardia keratitis: amikacin nonsusceptibility, risk factors, and treatment outcomes.

Purpose: To report the increasing trends in Nocardia keratitis species diversity and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility, to demonstrate contact lens wear as a risk factor, and to report visual acuity outcomes after treatment.

Methods: A retrospective clinical case series was performed at a single academic referral center which identified 26 patients with culture-confirmed Nocardia keratitis between 2014 and 2021. A combination of conventional microbiology and molecular techniques were used to identify isolates.

Rose Bengal and Riboflavin Mediated Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy Against Selected South Florida Nocardia Keratitis Isolates.

Purpose: To examine and compare the efficacy of in vitro growth inhibition using rose bengal and riboflavin photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) for Nocardia keratitis isolates.

Methods: Nocardia asteroides complex, Nocardia amikacinitolerans, and Nocardia farcinica species were isolated from patients with confirmed Nocardia keratitis. Isolates were tested against three experimental groups: (1) no photosensitizer/no irradiation, (2) photosensitizer/no irradiation, and (3) photosensitizer/irradiation.

Interactions between staphylococcal enterotoxins A and D and superantigen-like proteins 1 and 5 for predicting methicillin and multidrug resistance profiles among Staphylococcus aureus ocular isolates.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus strains are well recognized as posing substantial problems in treating ocular infections. S.

Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Pilot Safety Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo corneal changes after Rose Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) treatment in New Zealand White rabbits.

Methods: Sixteen rabbits were divided into 5 groups. All groups underwent deepithelialization of an 8 mm diameter area in the central cornea.

Endophthalmitis Caused by :Clinical Outcomes and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities 2014-2019.

Background And Objective: To report the clinical settings, antibiotic susceptibilities, and outcomes of streptococcal endophthalmitis.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective case series evaluating culture-positive streptococcal endophthalmitis from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019.

Results: Thirty-eight eyes met study criteria.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA in Aqueous Humor of Asymptomatic Individuals.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is detectable in the aqueous of asymptomatic individuals presenting for ophthalmic surgery.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional study.

Methods: Setting and participants: all patients undergoing anterior segment surgery at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) belonging to a tertiary academic center in South Florida during a 102-day period between June and September 2020 received nasal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent a relevant review of symptoms prior to surgery, with negative results required for both in order to proceed with surgery.

Postoperative Endophthalmitis Caused by (Formerly ) Acnes: Case Series and Review.

We report the clinical features, treatment strategies and outcomes in a series of patients with infectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery caused by , formerly known as . This retrospective case series includes six eyes of six patients with chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by culture-proven from December 2010 to July 2019 at a University referral center. All patients underwent prior cataract extraction with intraocular lens (CE/IOL) implantation.

Nutritionally variant streptococci causing endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection.

Purpose: To describe the clinical course and microbial properties of the first two reported cases of nutritionally variant Streptococci ( and ) endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection (IVI).

Observations: A 74 year-old female developed endophthalmitis following IVI. The patient underwent a pars plana vitrectomy and visual acuity recovered to 20/30 in six weeks.