A Case of Bilateral Endogenous Candida dubliniensis Endophthalmitis Treated with Aggressive Local and Systemic Therapy

Abstract

<i>Candida dubliniensis</i> is an emerging pathogen implicated in a variety of infections in immunocompromised hosts. A 79-year-old male with autoimmune pancytopenia on chronic oral steroid therapy was admitted for suspected sepsis and started on empirical antibiotics and micafungin. He developed floaters and decreased vision while on this regimen and was diagnosed with bilateral candida endophthalmitis. Blood cultures grew <i>C.</i> <i>dubliniensis.</i>Intravenous therapy was switched to voriconazole and amphotericin B. He also received aggressive intravitreal antifungal therapy consisting of 100 μg/0.1 mL voriconazole (4 OD, 3 OS) and 5 μg/0.1 mL amphotericin B (3 OD, 1 OS) over 2 weeks that resulted in local control of infection. The right eye developed a retinal detachment 1 month after initial presentation that was repaired by 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckle, laser and silicone oil. At the 15-month follow-up exam, subsequent to silicone oil removal, membrane peel and cataract surgery, OD visual acuity had improved to 20/80. OS was phakic and 20/25. Aggressive intravitreal antifungal therapy combined with intravenous therapy may control endophthalmitis and avoid the risks associated with pars plana vitrectomy during acute infection.