Bee sting presumed endophthalmitis: a devastating ocular outcome

Int J Retina Vitreous. 2021 Sep 6;7(1):52. doi: 10.1186/s40942-021-00320-w.

Abstract

Background: To report a rare case of bee sting presumed endophthalmitis that resulted in a devastating ocular outcome.

Case presentation: A 43-year-old patient presented 24 h after bee sting ocular injury in his left eye. He had a mild inflammatory sign at presentation, and he underwent surgical exploration to rule out a scleral defect, which revealed a sealed defect. During his hospital course, he developed signs of endophthalmitis 48 h following trauma for which he received vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotic. Microbial culture revealed gram-negative rods, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas veronii. Condition escalated to reach the panophthalmitis stage and cellulitis like picture with visual acuity of no light perception. Visual evoked response (VER) demonstrated a flat response. Infection was controlled by evisceration of the globe at the end as salvage therapy against the spreading of infection CONCLUSIONS: Bee sting ocular injury is an exceedingly rare type of ocular trauma. Concomitant infection can happen, and severity depends on the pathogen involved. It is crucial to have insight and start appropriate treatment based on to the patient presentation.

Keywords: Bee; Endophthalmitis; Injury; Ocular.