Isolation of unusual bacteria in canaliculitis: A series of four cases

Abstract

With increased availability of sophisticated microbiological techniques for isolation, growth and identification of micro-organisms the spectrum of organisms is rapidly. Herein we report four cases of canaliculitis with unusual organisms and highlight their clinical significance. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of isolation of Brucella melitensis and Leuconostoc species reported in English literature; and only one report of isolation of Myroides species from canaliculitis exists. Sphingomonas paucimobilis, is an uncommon isolate in canaliculitis. Extremes of age and occupational exposure may be possible risk factors for infection with uncommon organisms. Clinical features at presentation do not vary greatly with uncommon or multi drug resistant organisms' hence sampling and microbiological assessment is warranted. The benefit of curettage in canaliculitis is manifold. Unusual organisms and opportunistic pathogens can be multi-drug resistant and determination of antibiotic susceptibility is important to initiate targeted therapy to ensure disease cure and prevent recurrences.