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Microbiological profile of orbital abscess
N Suneetha1, M M Teena, V Usha
1Department of Ophthalmology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of orbital abscesses. Gram-negative bacteria infections lead to more complications, necessitating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Orbital abscess requires knowledge of microbial culture and sensitivity for effective empirical antibiotic therapy.
- Understanding causative organisms is crucial for appropriate treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the culture and sensitivity patterns of microorganisms implicated in orbital abscesses.
- To identify common pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 56 patients diagnosed with orbital abscess.
- Analysis of microbial cultures from orbital specimens, and in some cases, from purulent nasal discharge, facial infection sites, and blood.
Main Results:
- Cultures were positive in 68.8% of orbital specimens, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent isolate (18 cases).
- Gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, were also identified.
- Infections involving Gram-negative bacteria were associated with increased ocular morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Gram-positive cocci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are the predominant pathogens in orbital abscesses.
- Gram-negative bacterial infections are linked to more severe complications.
- Empirical antibiotic therapy should target a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
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