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Bacterial adherence to polymethylmethacrylate posterior chamber intra ocular lenses
1Department of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Purpose:
Bacterial adherence to intraocular lenses (IOLs) has been incriminated in the pathogenesis of postoperative endophthalmitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common organism isolated. We studied the in-vitro adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs and the effect of duration of exposure to adherence.
Methods:
Two groups of 10 IOLs each were incubated in Staphylococcus epidermidis suspension for 2 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. Adhesion of bacterial cells was determined by counting the number of viable bacteria attached to IOLs.
Results:
The mean bacterial adherence with 2 minutes incubation was 12,889 +/- 7,150 bacteria/ IOL and with 20 minutes incubation was 84,226 +/- 35,024 bacteria/IOL (P< 0.01).
Conclusion:
Our results show that Staphylococcus epidermidis adheres to PMMA IOLs in vitro and the degree of adherence is less for shorter duration of exposure. We conclude that viable bacteria irreversibly adherent to IOLs may play a role in the pathogenesis of postoperative endophthalmitis. Shorter duration of operative manipulation and exposure to contaminating sources may decrease the chances of postoperative endophthalmitis.
Insights
Bacterial adherence to intraocular lenses (IOLs) increases with exposure time. Shorter surgical times may reduce the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis adhering to Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bacterial adherence to intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a significant factor in postoperative endophthalmitis.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is frequently implicated as the causative organism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in-vitro adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs.
- To determine the effect of exposure duration on bacterial adhesion to PMMA IOLs.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of 10 PMMA IOLs were incubated with Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- Incubation times were set at 2 minutes and 20 minutes for each group.
- Bacterial adhesion was quantified by counting viable attached bacteria.
Main Results:
- Mean bacterial adherence after 2 minutes was 12,889 ± 7,150 bacteria/IOL.
- Mean bacterial adherence after 20 minutes was 84,226 ± 35,024 bacteria/IOL.
- A statistically significant increase in adherence was observed with longer incubation (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis adheres to PMMA IOLs in vitro.
- Bacterial adherence is duration-dependent, increasing with longer exposure.
- Minimizing operative time and contamination may reduce the risk of endophthalmitis.
