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[Conjunctival fungal flora of healthy people (author's transl)]
Abstract:
A study has been carried out on three groups of subjects. The first group, living in the surrounding of Paris, without inflammatory diseases and without local treatments, gives a contamination rate of 3,92%, which is well balanced with yeasts and fungoid growth myceliums. The principal isolated species were: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida, Rhodotorula. The second group with local treatment by mercurothiolate natrium was sterile. The third group, whose subjects had nearly a daily cultivation, allows to establish that: -- The conjunctival fungic flora is variable with time, and differ of a eye from the other for a given subject and its continuance is short; -- The subject contamination seems to be different according to the quality of the immune defenses, the less effective showing always yeasts and fungoid growth myceliums, the other ones slightly infected and only with fungoid growth myceliums; -- The contamination rate seems to be directly related to the intensity of the surrounding atmosphere agitation.
Insights
Conjunctival fungal flora varies and is influenced by immune defenses and environmental factors. Certain fungal species like Penicillium and Aspergillus were identified in subjects near Paris.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The ocular surface harbors a complex microbial community, including fungi.
- Understanding the prevalence and dynamics of fungal flora is crucial for ocular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of conjunctival fungal flora in different subject groups.
- To explore factors influencing fungal contamination, such as local treatments and immune status.
Main Methods:
- Study involved three groups: a control group near Paris, a group with local treatment, and a group with daily cultivation.
- Fungal species were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques.
- Conjunctival swabs were analyzed for the presence of yeasts and mycelial fungi.
Main Results:
- A 3.92% contamination rate was observed in the control group, with a balanced presence of yeasts and mycelial fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida, Rhodotorula).
- The group receiving mercurothiolate natrium treatment showed sterile conjunctival cultures.
- Conjunctival fungal flora demonstrated variability over time and between eyes, with shorter persistence.
- Lower immune defenses correlated with higher yeast and mycelial fungal presence, while stronger defenses showed only mycelial contamination.
- Contamination rates appeared related to the intensity of atmospheric agitation.
Conclusions:
- Conjunctival fungal flora is dynamic and influenced by individual immune status and environmental exposure.
- Local treatments can effectively eliminate fungal contamination.
- Atmospheric conditions play a role in the level of ocular fungal contamination.