Yeast-like microorganisms in eye infections

The proportion of yeast species involved in eye infections in 11 patients was examined. The presence of yeast organisms as causative agents of endophthalmitis was found in corneal smears (n = 4), conjunctival swabs (4), and vitreous fluid (3). Altogether 5 strains of Candida albicans, 2 strains of C. krusei and one strain each of C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and Cryptococcus neoformans were isolated from the clinical material. The hematogenic origin of endophthalmitis was proved in 7 cases on the basis of positive blood samples and in 2 cases by the isolation of yeasts from the tip of an intravenous catheter. Endophthalmitis-supporting risk factors such as indwelling intravenous catheters, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapy, surgical intervention, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy were observed in the patients.