Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice
07:52

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice

Published on: May 1, 2021

Microbiological and clinical profiles of patients with microbial keratitis residing in nursing homes

V Jhanji1, M Constantinou, H R Taylor

  • 1Centre for Eye Research, Australia, University of Melbourne, Australia.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 4, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microbial keratitis in nursing home residents is often caused by Staphylococcus, linked to dry eyes and systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Most cases require surgery and result in poor visual outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Microbial keratitis poses a significant threat to vision, particularly in vulnerable elderly populations residing in nursing homes.
  • Understanding the specific etiological agents and risk factors in this demographic is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of microbial keratitis in nursing home residents.
  • To determine the common causative organisms, associated risk factors, and treatment outcomes in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of hospital records from 1996 to 2006.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients with microbial keratitis residing in nursing homes.
  • Evaluation of clinical presentation, microbiological findings, interventions, and visual outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 66 patients (mean age 81 years) were included; 39 female, 27 male.
  • Dry eyes (26%) and rheumatoid arthritis (81%) were significant associated factors.
  • Staphylococcus (48%) was the most common bacterial isolate; herpes virus detected in 7 cases.
  • Surgical intervention (47%) included ptosis induction, keratoplasty, and tarsorrhaphy.
  • Mean visual acuity improved from counting fingers to 6/60 post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial keratitis in nursing home residents is frequently caused by Staphylococcus.
  • Associated factors include dry eyes and ocular surface disease.
  • Surgical intervention is often necessary, with a tendency towards poor visual outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Methods to Assess Microbial Populations01:30

Methods to Assess Microbial Populations

Assessing microbial populations is crucial for understanding microbial roles in health, ecology, and industry. Various complementary techniques—both culture-based and molecular—enable detailed analysis of microbial abundance, diversity, and function.Viable Plate CountThe viable plate count is a traditional culture-based method used to estimate the number of living microbes in a sample. After serial dilution, the sample is spread onto nutrient agar plates. Each viable cell forms a visible...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...