Emerging ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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N A Chaudhry1, H W Flynn, T G Murray

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136, USA.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 30, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ciprofloxacin resistance in ocular Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasing. This study identified a significant rise in resistant strains between 1995-1998 compared to earlier years, highlighting a growing clinical concern.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of ocular infections.
  • Ciprofloxacin is a frequently used antibiotic for bacterial eye infections.
  • Emergence of antibiotic resistance is a significant challenge in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant ocular isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • To analyze trends in ciprofloxacin resistance over time.
  • To assess the clinical significance of this resistance pattern.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of ocular Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from July 1991 to September 1998.
  • In vitro susceptibility testing to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
  • Resistance defined as MIC ≥ 4 µg/mL.

Main Results:

  • Nine out of 423 (2.1%) ocular isolates of P. aeruginosa were resistant to ciprofloxacin.
  • A significant increase in resistance was observed from 0.44% (1991-1994) to 4.1% (1995-1998) (P = .014).
  • This indicates a growing trend of ciprofloxacin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged in clinical ocular specimens.
  • This resistance poses a growing local and global public health concern.
  • Continued surveillance and management strategies are necessary.

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