Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
07:27
Anterior Segment Organ Culture Platform for Tracking Open Globe Injuries and Therapeutic Performance
Published on: August 25, 2021
Microbial contamination in open globe injury
1Department of Ophthalmology and Microbiology, Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, India. soniya.bhala@gmail.com
Summary
Microbial contamination occurs in 26% of open globe injuries (OGI), with Aspergillus being the most common contaminant. Early contamination significantly correlates with endophthalmitis development, highlighting the need for close follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Endophthalmitis is a severe complication of ocular trauma.
- Identifying microbial contaminants is crucial for effective empirical antibiotic therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of microbial contamination in open globe injuries (OGI).
- To identify the spectrum of microorganisms involved in OGI.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 50 consecutive OGI cases over two years.
- Intraoperative sampling of conjunctival sac and anterior chamber.
- Cultures of abscised tissue, foreign bodies, and vitreous taps when indicated.
Main Results:
- Microbial cultures were positive in 26% of cases.
- Aspergillus species were the most frequent contaminant (45.6%), followed by Alternaria and Curvularia.
- A significant association was found between initial contamination and the development of endophthalmitis (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Initial contamination affects 26% of OGI cases, with fungi like Aspergillus being predominant.
- A strong correlation exists between initial contamination and subsequent endophthalmitis.
- Culture-negative cases showed a trend towards better visual outcomes; close follow-up of contaminated OGI cases is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome 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...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:24Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The immune system's inflammatory response destroys the invading pathogen, permitting the tissue to heal. The changes during the cellular and vascular stages allow exudate formation at the site of inflammation. The inflammatory exudate released from the wound has high protein content and a specific gravity above 1.020.
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...