Mycobacterium chelonei keratitis: A case report and reviewof previously reported cases

Abstract

A 56-year-old woman who wore hard contact lenses developed a keratitis due to Mycobacterium chelonei. The organism was only sensitive to imipenem and partially to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. After an initial response to topical therapy with these antibiotics the infection relapsed and a penetrating keratoplasty was performed, with resulting cure. M. chelonei has not previously been reported as a cause of keratitis associated with hard contact lens wear; neither has its treatment with imipenem and/or ciprofloxacin. A detailed photographic record showing th natural history of the keratitis is presented. Previously reported cases of M. chelonei keratiti are reviewed. © 1994 Royal College of Ophthalmologists.