Yeast-like microorganisms in eye infections

The proportion of yeast species involved in eye infections in Il patients w as examined. The presence of yeast organisms as causative agents of endopht halmitis was found in corneal smears (n = 4), conjunctival swabs (4), and v itreous fluid (3). Altogether 5 strains of Candida albicans, 2 strains of C . krusei and one strain each of C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis, C tropi calis and Cryptococcus neoformans were isolated from the clinical material. The hematogenic origin of endophthalmitis was proved in 7 cases on the bas is of positive blood samples and in 2 cases by the isolation of yeasts from the tip of an intravenous catheter. Endophthalmitis-supporting risk factor s such as indwelling intravenous catheters, prolonged use of broad-spectnrm antibiotics and chemotherapy, surgical intervention, diabetes mellitus, an d malignancy were observed in the patients.