K. Srinivasa Rao1, Ranjan Basu2, Subba Rao G. V3
BACKGROUND
Eye is one of the most vulnerable area of infection and is constantly exposed to variety of pathogens, but infections occur when the normal defence of the eye is compromised. The bacterial and fungal aetiologies and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern vary according to geographical and regional location. In this region of East Godavari District, no recent data is available regarding this, which highly justifies the study.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To identify the prevalent bacteria and fungus causing ocular infection that prevail in the community. To characterise the predisposing factors leading to ocular infection. To establish effective empiric therapy for control of common ocular bacteriological infection by the antibiotic sensitivity study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study was conducted in Ophthalmology OPD/IPD of GSL Medical College and General Hospital during the period from October 2011-February 2013. Samples collected under aseptic precautions. A total number of 170 culture-positive ocular infections out of 210 clinically diagnosed cases served as study group and 30 culture-positive cases out of 40 normal persons served as control group.
RESULTS
Among the 170 culture-positive cases, 72.95% yielded pure bacterial isolates, 22.94% yielded pure fungal isolates and 4.11% yielded a mixed culture. The overall male: female ratio is 1.54:1. The Gram-positive cocci were resistant to clindamycin and penicillin and Gram-negative bacilli were highly resistant to gentamicin, aztreonam and 3rd generation cephalosporins.
CONCLUSION
More importance should be given to microbiological evaluation of each and every ocular infection along with their antimicrobial susceptibility study in order to treat them with appropriate antibiotics thereby preventing ocular morbidity to formulate empiric therapy guidelines to prevent further emergence of resistance of the existing sensitive drugs.
