Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis
Published on: May 12, 2020
Managing Corneal Infections: Out with the old, in with the new?
Sanjay Marasini1, Jennifer P Craig1, Simon J Dean1
1Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
Abstract:
There have been multiple reports of eye infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with increasing evidence of ineffective treatment outcomes from existing therapies. With respect to corneal infections, the most commonly used antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporines) are demonstrating reduced efficacy against bacterial keratitis isolates. While traditional methods are losing efficacy, several novel technologies are under investigation, including light-based anti-infective technology with or without chemical substrates, phage therapy, and probiotics. Many of these methods show non-selective antimicrobial activity with potential development as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Multiple preclinical studies and a limited number of clinical case studies have confirmed the efficacy of some of these novel methods. However, given the rapid evolution of corneal infections, their treatment requires rapid institution to limit the impact on vision and prevent complications such as scarring and corneal perforation. Given their rapid effects on microbial viability, light-based technologies seem particularly promising in this regard.
Insights
Antibiotic-resistant eye infections are rising, making traditional treatments less effective. Novel light-based therapies show promise for treating bacterial keratitis rapidly and broadly.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Increasing reports of eye infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Reduced efficacy of traditional antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, cephalosporines) against bacterial keratitis.
- Growing need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat resistant ocular pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging treatment options for bacterial keratitis.
- To highlight the potential of novel antimicrobial technologies.
- To emphasize the promise of light-based therapies for rapid intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on novel anti-infective technologies.
- Investigation of light-based anti-infective technology, phage therapy, and probiotics.
- Analysis of antimicrobial activity and potential as broad-spectrum agents.
Main Results:
- Traditional antibiotics show diminishing efficacy against bacterial keratitis isolates.
- Novel methods like light-based technology, phage therapy, and probiotics demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
- Preclinical and limited clinical studies confirm the efficacy of some novel approaches.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial keratitis treatment requires rapid intervention to prevent vision loss and complications.
- Light-based technologies are particularly promising due to their rapid effects on microbial viability.
- Novel antimicrobial strategies are essential to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance in eye infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management