Endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species.

Purpose: To investigate clinical settings, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes associated with endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Record review of patients with endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella (1984 through 2003).

Results: Clinical settings included cataract surgery (one eye), trauma (two), perforated corneal ulcer (one), and endogenous associated with hepatic abscess (one). Pretreatment vision was hand motions or better in four eyes (80%). Initial treatment was enucleation (one eye), pars plana vitrectomy (two), and vitreous tap and injection (two); intravitreal antibiotics were administered to all nonenucleated eyes. Klebsiella was sensitive to one or more antibiotics administered initially in all cases. In nonenucleated eyes, final acuity was >or=20/400 in two, 1/200 in one, and light perception in one.

Conclusion: Despite treatment with appropriate antibiotics, endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species is associated with generally poor visual outcomes.