Chronic conjunctivitis caused by oral anaerobes and effectively treated with systemic metronidazole plus amoxicillin

In this study, we report on a case of refractory, unilateral anaerobic conjunctivitis. The predominant anaerobic flora consisted of Prevotella intermedia (formerly Bacteroides intermedius) and Peptostreptococcus micros. By using the technique of restriction endonuclease fingerprinting of genomic DNA, it was shown that the P. intermedia likely originated from the oral cavity. Topically applied antibiotics had failed to suppress the infection in the past. Successful treatment was achieved after systemic administration of metronidazole plus amoxicillin.