A case of panophthalmitis with orbital cellulitis related to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection:

Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that rarely causes infection in humans. Human infection occurs as a result of either contact with animals, their meat products, or waste. The septicaemic form of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection can subsequently lead to complications which include endocarditis, intracranial abscess, liver abscess, and in this case, panophthalmitis. The incidence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection however, may be under-diagnosed due the resemblance it bears to other bacteria. Here we report a case of panophthalmitis in a 57-year-old Malay woman with no previous medical illness caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which rarely causes ocular infection.