Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis post penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable lens wearer.

Purpose: We report a case of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans keratitis following penetrating keratoplasty in a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearer.

Methods: A 61 year old RGP lens wearer with a history of nonresponsive keratitis of the right eye which involved the graft margin was referred to us for treatment. Corneal cultures revealed growth of a gram-negative rod on the fifth day and the organism was subsequently identified as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, which was resistant to most antibiotics and sensitive only to Bactrim, Timentin, and imipenem.

Results: Clinical improvement was observed within 24 hours after treatment with the use of topical i.v. Bactrim and topical i.v. Timentin 2% alternating every 30 minutes. Complete resolution of the infection with mild scarring was observed 6 weeks after treatment.

Conclusions: Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a potential cause of bacterial keratitis which should be considered in cases of nonresponsive gram-negative keratitis. The addition of topical Bactrim or Timentin may need to be considered in such cases.