Lens: post-cataract endophthalmitis organism: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Lens: post-cataract endophthalmitis organism

Sample item

Which organism is most commonly responsible for acute postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Staphylococcus epidermidis

Coagulase-negative staphylococci from the patient's own lid flora are the commonest cause. Propionibacterium acnes causes chronic delayed endophthalmitis. Prophylaxis includes povidone iodine and intracameral cefuroxime.

Option by option

  • A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    Pseudomonas is less common but more virulent.

  • B. Staphylococcus epidermidis (correct)

    Correct. S. epidermidis is the commonest organism.

  • C. Candida albicans

    Candida causes fungal endophthalmitis in other settings.

  • D. Propionibacterium acnes

    P. acnes causes the chronic, delayed type.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Staphylococcus epidermidis. Coagulase-negative staphylococci from the patient's own lid flora are the commonest cause.

Why is "Pseudomonas aeruginosa" not the answer?

Pseudomonas is less common but more virulent.

Why is "Candida albicans" not the answer?

Candida causes fungal endophthalmitis in other settings.

Why is "Propionibacterium acnes" not the answer?

P. acnes causes the chronic, delayed type.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens: post-cataract endophthalmitis organism in Ophthalmology. Propionibacterium acnes causes chronic delayed endophthalmitis. Prophylaxis includes povidone iodine and intracameral cefuroxime.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Lens: post-cataract endophthalmitis organism?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.