Chronic dacryocystitis: An insight into bacteriology and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chronic dacryocystitis management is crucial before intraocular surgery to prevent endophthalmitis.
• Understanding the bacteriology of chronic dacryocystitis guides effective antimicrobial selection and reduces drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative bacterial flora in chronic dacryocystitis.
• To determine the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance patterns of isolated bacteria.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study involving 102 patients with chronic dacryocystitis.
• Conjunctival swabs were collected for microbiological culture and sensitivity testing.
• Statistical analysis was performed using percentage assessment.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolate (50%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Enterococcus (11.53% each).
• Cefoxitin demonstrated the highest sensitivity against Gram-positive bacteria, while imipenem was most sensitive for Gram-negative organisms.
• Penicillin and ofloxacin showed maximum resistance for Gram-positive bacteria; ciprofloxacin exhibited maximum resistance for Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are the predominant pathogens in chronic dacryocystitis.
• Cefoxitin is the most effective antibiotic for treating Gram-positive bacterial infections in chronic dacryocystitis.
• Knowledge of local bacteriology and resistance patterns is vital for appropriate antimicrobial therapy.