http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22482893

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2012 Apr;87(4):107-111. Epub 2012 Mar 15.

Bacteriological analysis in the management of conjunctivitis. Comparison of antibiotic resistance between 1982 and 2008.

[Article in English, Spanish]
Carreras B.
Source
Departamento de Cirugía y sus especialidades, Universidad de Granada, Granada, España.
Abstract

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 ocularhyperemia 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.