RESUMEN
Infectious endophthalmitis is a severe ophthalmic emergency. This infection can be caused by bacteria and fungi. For efficient treatment, the administration of antimicrobial drugs to which the microbes are susceptible is essential. The aim of this study was to identify micro-organisms in biopsies of Mexican endophthalmitis patients using metagenomic next-generation sequencing and determine which antibiotic resistance genes were present in the biopsy samples. In this prospective case study, 19 endophthalmitis patients were recruited. Samples of vitreous or aqueous humour were extracted for DNA extraction for metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Analysis of the sequencing results revealed the presence of a wide variety of bacteria in the biopsies. Resistome analysis showed that homologues of antibiotic resistance genes were present in several biopsy samples. Genes possibly conferring resistance to ceftazidime and vancomycin were detected in addition to various genes encoding efflux pumps. Our findings contrast with the widespread opinion that only one or a few bacterial strains are present in the infected tissues of endophthalmitis patients. These diverse communities might host many of the resistance genes that were detected, which can further complicate the infections.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To describe the epidemiological traits, clinical characteristics, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions and evolution in a large series of patients with diagnosis of Eales' disease. METHODS: A clinical retrospective review of patients with Eales' disease, evaluated and treated between April 2009 and April 2018, with a 1-year minimum follow-up. Thirty patients (59 eyes), were included. Age, sex, laboratory results (CBC, glycemia, protein electrophoresis, ACE levels) immunological profile and a Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus test were recorded. The patients were divided into groups according to their evolution, medical or surgical treatment, and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen male patients and 13 female patients were included, and their ages ranged from 14 to 35 years. The Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus test was positive in 25 patients. Twenty-eight patients had unilateral vitreous hemorrhage, 10 of whom presented with vasculitis and non-perfusion areas in the contralateral eye, 9 presented contralateral peripheral neovascularization and 9 had contralateral fibrovascular proliferation. The remaining 2 patients presented with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In 6 patients, conservative treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and photocoagulation was performed after the hemorrhage cleared. Twenty-two patients, required vitrectomy, with good visual outcomes. Macular edema was found in 16 eyes, which responded to periocular and/or systemic corticosteroid therapy, except for 9 eyes that required intravitreal bevacizumab, with complete resolution in 7 eyes and partial resolution in 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Eales' disease is a pathology of significant prevalence in our country. The distribution according to sex, tends to be equivalent. The etiology, even when it is not specifically determined, according to laboratory tests, confirms the probable immunologic response in the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. This is still a diagnosis of exclusion, and therefore, it is advisable to perform a complete laboratory work-up in each case. Timely application of laser and other medical treatments, help to avoid progression to more advanced stages and their complications. The surgical treatment of vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage, and/or tractional vitreous detachment yields good primary anatomical and functional outcomes. Secondary macular edema responds to periocular and intravitreal corticosteroids, and in refractory cases, the use of anti-VEGF therapy leads to an effective resolution.