To report the first case of endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the Republic of Korea.

A 65-year-old male was transferred because of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. His initial visual acuity was light perception. Because inflammation of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity progressed rapidly, we performed total pars planar vitrectomy and intraocular lens extraction in addition to administering intravitreal antibiotics and intravitreal dexamethasone injections. Streptococcus dysgalactiae was identified in samples cultured from the vitreous and anterior chamber fluid. Four days after surgery, we washed the anterior chamber and intravitreal antibiotics were again injected because of increased inflammation of the anterior chamber and vitreous. The patient was discharged 25 days after surgery but corneal neovascularization, contraction, edema, infiltration, and hypopyon remained. Visual acuity progressed to no light perception and there was shrinkage of the globe.

Endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae is very rare. We report the first case of endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in the Republic of Korea. The prognosis for recovery was poor despite aggressive treatment.