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The Preventive Effect of Gentamicin in the Irrigating Solution on Endophthalmitis Caused by Methicillin-Resistant
Wenjiang Ma1, Guanghua Hou1, Junfang Wang1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Objective:
To analyze the effect of gentamicin in the irrigating solution on endophthalmitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.
Methods:
Fifteen rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups. During surgery, group A was irrigated with gentamicin-free solution and injected with 100 μL of normal saline postoperatively, group B was irrigated with 80 μg/mL gentamicin and injected with 100 μl of MRSE suspension, group C was irrigated with gentamicin-free solution and injected with 100 μl of MRSE suspension. At different times, corneal endothelial cell count (CEC), inflammation grading,B-scan ultrasonography and histological examination were analyzed.
Results:
No endophthalmitis occurred in groups A and B. Group C developed severe endophthalmitis, with massive inflammatory exudation in the vitreous cavity.
Conclusion:
Irrigating solution containing gentamicin is favorable to reduce the incidence of MRSE endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification with IOL in rabbits.
Insights
Gentamicin in irrigating solution effectively prevents methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in rabbits. This finding supports using gentamicin to reduce post-operative infections in ocular procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Post-operative endophthalmitis is a serious complication following cataract surgery.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) is a significant pathogen contributing to ocular infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of gentamicin in irrigating solutions against MRSE-induced endophthalmitis.
- To assess the impact of gentamicin on preventing post-operative ocular inflammation and infection.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model was used with three groups: control (no gentamicin, saline), gentamicin irrigation with MRSE injection, and no gentamicin with MRSE injection.
- Evaluations included corneal endothelial cell count, inflammation grading, B-scan ultrasonography, and histological examination.
Main Results:
- No endophthalmitis was observed in rabbits receiving gentamicin in the irrigating solution.
- Rabbits without gentamicin in the irrigating solution developed severe endophthalmitis with significant inflammatory exudation.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular irrigation with gentamicin significantly reduces the incidence of MRSE endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.
- Gentamicin-containing irrigating solutions are a promising strategy for preventing post-operative ocular infections.

