Conjuctival normal flora among kenyans

Abstract

SUMMARY Background: The most dreaded complication of intraocular surgery is endophthalmitis an ophthalmic emergency and the commonest organisms responsible for this infection are Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. Both these organisms have been shown to be part of the normal conjunctival flora which may invade the globe such as during surgery (evidence based from genetic studies of the organisms isolated). Moreover there are regional differences and shift in the antibiotic sensitivity pattern with time. A study demonstrating the normal flora in our region and the associated antibiotic sensitivity pattern provides important information for the prevention and early management. Objectives: The study aims to determine the pattern of normal flora inhabiting the conjunctiva, possible changes with time in the pattern of the flora and determine the changing antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Methodology: In a descriptive retrospective study, all data on ocular normal flora obtained by the Department of Ophthalmology microbiology laboratory between 1994 and 1997 was reviewed while observing the strictest patient confidentiality and observing the laboratory and study protocols. Data was analyzed in descriptive form using SPSS 11.5 statistical analytical programme and Microsoft excel where applicable Results: out of 264 questionnaires reviewed 43.94% samples were positive. The age range was from 11-95 years and the commonest organism isolated in our region was CNS followed by S. aureus. There were a total of 13 species isolated. When comparing the floral distribution as per the year of collection, there was no statistically significant difference in the pattern of flora from one year to another. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns for CNS and S.aureus were done. The trends showed an increase in the sensitivity of the commonly used antibiotics in the region during the study period.