Endophthalmitis: Gram positive ethiological agents and susceptibility to glycopeptides

Abstract: Endophthalmitisi s a seriouss ight-threateningc ondition, with a postoperativei ncidenceo f 0.13 -0.7%. Thrs study aimed to investigate the spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria causing culture-proven endophthalmitis and their susceptibility to teicoplanin and vancomycin. At this purpose, minimum inhibitory concentrations of teicoplanin and vancomycin of Gram-positive bacteria isolated in the period 2001-2007 from vitreous cultures were determined. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common organisms ioentified (31,8 %), followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Peptococcus spp. e Bacillus spp. All bacteria were susceptible to teicoplanin and vancomycin. The two drugs showed a comparable activity against staphylococci and bacilli, while teicoplanin was more potent against streptococci and anaerobes. In conclusion, teicoplanin showed a spectrum of activity similar or even better that of vancomycin against the most common ethiological agents of postoperative endophthalmitis.