A novel case of endophthalmitis secondary to Paenibacillus yonginensis after intravitreal injection of aflibercept

To report a case of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection due to Paenibacillus yonginensis. This is a retrospective case report. An 87-year-old man with longstanding neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in his left eye presented with pain and loss of vision three days after intravitreal injection of aflibercept. Examination revealed a hypopyon and vitreous opacities. A diagnostic anterior chamber paracentesis and intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime were performed. One month later, vitrectomy was performed for non-clearing vitreous opacities with a good final visual outcome. The causative bacterium, Paenibacillus yonginensis, was identified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing from the aqueous specimen. We encountered a rare presentation of endophthalmitis caused by Paenibacillus yonginensis. Paenibacillus species have been implicated in human infection in recent years. DNA sequencing can allow for the identification of uncommon bacteria.