Posters

Predisposing factors, classification and laboratory confirmation in bacterial corneal ulcers

Poster Details

First Author: E.Karakosta GREECE

Co Author(s):    T. Vachtsevanos   L. Kazantzidis   T. Topalidis   D. Tsakpinis   E. Kaldi  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Classification and laboratory confirmation of predisposing factors in bacterial corneal ulcers and of presentation of the outcomes of the administered treatment.

Setting:

Ophthalmology clinic, «O Agios Dimitrios» General Hospital of Thessaloniki

Methods:

In 35 patients of presumed microbial keratitis where corneal and conjuctival scrapings have been subjected to microbiological examination were included. Risk factor data and laboratory outcome were recorded. Antimicrobial regimens used to treat each patient were documented. Topical antibiotic treatment consisted of fluoroquinolone and tobramycin eye drops. In nine cases the patients were contact lens wearers.

Results:

From the obtained cultures from corneal and conjunctival scrapings were detected in order of frequency the following bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (28.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (11.4%), Streptococcus viridans (14.3%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (11.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (5.7%), Corynebacterium diphtheriae (5.7%), Escherichia coli (5.7%). In six cases (17.1%) the culture was negative for bacteria. The outcome of the treatment achived healing in almost all cases but one which resulted in poor visual outcome.

Conclusions:

The rapid onset of empirical antibiotic treatment plays a role in the healing of the ulcer and the subsequent administration of the appropriate antibiotic treatment proposed from our laboratory shows very high effectiveness rate (96%) in the healing of bacterial corneal ulcers. Contact lenses are a predisposing factor for corneal ulcers. Fluoroquinolones appear to be the therapy of choice for bacterial keratitis. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: NONE