Six patients develop rare fungal infection following cataract surgery

Researchers from the Kyorin University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan have described six cases of postoperative fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

Writing in JAMA Ophthalmology, the scientists outlined how five women and a man between the ages of 41 and 84 developed the infection following cataract surgery at two clinics

The researchers noted that testing confirmed the presence of Sarocladium kiliense in samples taken from the aqueous humour and vitreous of the six patients.

Following interviews with staff at the two clinics where cataract surgery was performed, it was confirmed that trypan blue solution from a single company was used in all six surgeries.

Microbiological testing confirmed the presence of Sarocladium kiliense in the trypan blue solution.

The patients were treated with topical voriconazole, alongside systemic treatment with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B or oral voriconazole.

The researchers reported that the infection was controlled in all cases, with a mean visual acuity of 6/9.

The study authors highlighted that strict sterilisation management is required to prevent similar cases of postoperative fungal endophthalmitis.

“Future use of off-label agents should be approached cautiously, considering the possibility of postoperative endophthalmitis,” the researchers concluded.