Abstract

CARRERAS, B.. Bacteriological analysis in the management of conjunctivitis: Comparison of antibiotic resistance between 1982 and 2008. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2012, vol.87, n.4, pp.107-111. ISSN 0365-6691.

Objective: To demonstrate the need for bacteriological analysis for the rational treatment of infections of the corneal surface, including conjunctivitis. Methods: The results of 1,970 consecutive bacteriological analysis obtained from 2001 to 2008 in patients with ocular hyperemia and discharge were analysed and compared with a similar study done in 1982 in the same geographical area. Results: Bacterial growth was obtained in 1,044 cases (53%). The most frequent bacteria were Staphylococci spp. (56.6%), followed by Streptococci spp. (21.4%), Haemophili spp. (12.1%), and other gram-negative bacteria (9.9%). No antibiotic was effective against all the bacteria isolated. The frequency of resistant bacteria against neomycin, tobramycin, erythromycin and gentamicin was significantly increased with respect to the study of 1982. Conclusions: Bacteriological analysis of conjunctival specimens are necessary to ensure the choice of an effective antibiotic against bacteria of the ocular surface when the initial treatment fails.

Keywords : Conjunctivitis; Bacteria; Antibiotics; Antibiotic resistance.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )