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Histopathological Studies on Rabbits Infected by Bacteria Causing Infectious Keratitis in Human through Eye
Yousef H Aldebasi1, Hala A Mohamed1, Salah M Aly2
1Dept of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, KSA.Dept of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the pathogenic effect of bacteria causing infectious keratitis among patients through experimental study conducted on rabbits' eyes with the aid of histopathology as eye infection is a common disease in developing countries that may complicate to loss of vision.
Methodology:
100 swab samples were collected from human infected eyes, at Qassim region during 2012, for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The isolated pathogenic bacteria were tested to various antibiotics using some selected antibiotics discs through agar-well diffusion method. Then, experimental study conducted on 27 rabbits. The rabbits were divided randomly into three equal groups, each containing 9 rabbits. Rabbits of group (1) served as control group (Negative Control) and their eyes were inoculated with the buffer only. Rabbits of group (2) were inoculated through eyes with the isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rabbits of group (3) were inoculated through eyes with the isolated Staphylococcus aureus.
Results:
Out of 100 collected swab samples from human infected eyes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated with a total percentage of 25.21% and 15.65%; respectively and used in this study. Both bacterial isolates were sensitive to Gentamicin and Cefuroxime. Clinically, experimentally infected rabbits by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, revealed varying degree corneal abrasions, corneal abscess and dense corneal opacity. Histopathologically, at 3(rd) day post-infection (PI), the cornea revealed polymorpho-nuclear cells infiltration with loss of the outer epithelial lining. At 7(th) day PI, neutrophils were seen in the stroma. At 15(th) day PI, proliferation of fibroblasts and new vascularisation were seen in the stroma. Clinically, rabbits experimentally infected with Staphylococcus aureus, revealed corneal ulcers and focal abscesses. Histopathologically, at 3(rd) and 7(th) day PI, the cornea revealed edema and infiltration of leukocytes. At 15(th) day PI, hyperplasia of corneal epithelium and proliferation of keratocytes were evident. The liver and kidneys of experimented rabbits revealed no remarkable histopathological alterations along the period of experiment.
Conclusion:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are common eye infection in human, both induced severe lesions in the eyes of rabbits that could interfere with vision, therefore, strict measures to control these infections in human is recommended.
Insights
Common eye infections like keratitis, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to vision loss. This study shows these bacteria cause severe rabbit eye lesions, highlighting the need for strict control measures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Infectious keratitis is a prevalent eye infection, particularly in developing nations.
- Complications from keratitis can lead to significant vision impairment and loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic effects of bacteria causing infectious keratitis.
- To utilize histopathology in an experimental rabbit eye model.
- To understand the potential for vision loss associated with these infections.
Main Methods:
- Collected 100 human eye swab samples for bacterial isolation (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus).
- Tested bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics using agar-well diffusion.
- Inoculated 27 rabbits' eyes, divided into control, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus groups.
Main Results:
- Isolated P. aeruginosa (25.21%) and S. aureus (15.65%) from infected human eyes.
- Both bacteria were sensitive to Gentamicin and Cefuroxime.
- Experimental infections caused corneal lesions (abrasions, abscesses, opacity, ulcers) and histopathological changes in rabbits.
Conclusions:
- P. aeruginosa and S. aureus are common causes of severe infectious keratitis in humans.
- These bacteria induce significant ocular lesions in a rabbit model, potentially impairing vision.
- Recommendations for strict control measures against these ocular pathogens are crucial.
