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Bacterial flora of stored human donor corneas after antibiotic treatment
Abstract:
In 100 out of 122 eyes obtained at autopsy, bacteria could be cultured in swabs taken from the conjunctivae. After individual storage of the excised corneas at +4 degrees C in a modified tissue culture medium containing 100 microgram/ml Gentalmicin, in 18 culture specimens there was still some growth of microorganisms. In comparison to nine other antibiotics, Gentamicin was the most effective against cultivated bacteria in a sensitivity test. However, in 25% of the specimens Ps.aeruginosa was resistant to Gentamicin. Polymyxin, to which Ps.aeruginosa was not resistant in the same test, should be used in combination with Gentamicin for antibiotic treatment of stored human donor corneas.
Insights
Bacterial contamination is common in donor corneas. Gentamicin is effective, but resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessitates combination therapy with Polymyxin for safe storage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of ocular tissues is a significant concern in corneal transplantation.
- Maintaining the sterility of donor corneas during storage is crucial for successful transplantation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Gentamicin in preventing bacterial growth in stored human donor corneas.
- To identify optimal antibiotic strategies for preserving corneal viability and preventing microbial contamination.
Main Methods:
- Conjunctival swabs were cultured from 122 autopsy eyes.
- Excised corneas were stored at 4°C in a modified tissue culture medium with Gentamicin.
- Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on cultivated microorganisms.
- Comparative analysis of Gentamicin against nine other antibiotics was conducted.
Main Results:
- Bacteria were cultured from 100 out of 122 (82%) donor eyes.
- Eighteen corneal specimens showed microbial growth despite Gentamicin storage.
- Gentamicin demonstrated superior efficacy against most tested bacteria compared to nine other antibiotics.
- However, 25% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibited resistance to Gentamicin.
Conclusions:
- While Gentamicin is effective against many bacteria, its limitations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa are evident.
- Combination therapy with Polymyxin, which is effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is recommended for stored human donor corneas.
- This combined approach may enhance the safety and viability of donor corneas for transplantation.