Risk of Klebsiella pneumoniae Endogenous Endophthalmitis during Bacteremia: Implications for Screening.

Abstract

Endogenous endophthalmitis is caused by bacteremic spread of pathogens to the posterior segment of the eye. Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most frequent bacterial cause of endogenous endophthalmitis [1]. In keeping with animal models in which rapid destruction of retinal photoreceptors occurs as early as 24 48 hours after inoculation, K. pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis (KLEE) ocular outcomes are poor, particularly if diagnosis and treatment are delayed [2, 3]. In this regard, the role of ocular screening of asymptomatic patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia is debated [4].