Scleritis Caused byIn VitroLinezolid-ResistantNocardia asteroides
Purpose. To describe a case of postoperative scleritis caused by a novel strain ofNocardiaresistant to linezolid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).Methods. Case report of a patient with microbiologically proven scleritis due toNocardia asteroides.Results. The patient presented with pain, redness, and nodules on the sclera three months following pterygium excision with mitomycin C and amniotic membrane placement. As no response was noted with empiric treatment for bacterial scleritis, debridement was performed. The cytopathology report showed gram positive filamentous bacteria. A presumptive diagnosis of Nocardia scleritis was made and therapy was initiated based on a literature review on treatments forNocardiainfections. Cultures returned growingNocardia asteroides. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed resistance to linezolid and TMP-SMX which are the traditional drugs of choice forNocardia. The patient was treated with amikacin and imipenem as well as extensive debridement with pedicle grafts. The patient’s scleritis resolved with a good visual outcome.Conclusions. Cultures should be obtained in all cases of necrotizing scleritis in patients with a recent history of conjunctival surgery to rule out unusual organisms such asNocardia. Although literature states that resistance to linezolid and TMP-SMX is rare inNocardia, sensitivity testing can be useful in unresponsive cases.