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Coagulase-negative staphylococci in conjunctivitis and blepharitis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University, Shreveport 71130-3932.
Yan Ke Xue Bao = Eye Science
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS) can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis. High C-NS colony counts, not specific species, indicated infection, with mannitol fermentation linked to diseased patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS) are typically considered normal ocular flora of the eyelids and conjunctiva.
- The pathogenic potential of C-NS in causing conjunctivitis and blepharitis is often underestimated.
- Understanding the specific roles of C-NS species in ocular infections is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of individual coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS) species with conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
- To compare C-NS species isolated from healthy individuals with those from patients suffering from staphylococcal eye diseases.
- To identify potential microbial indicators for diagnosing staphylococcal conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus species from conjunctival and eyelid swabs of 50 healthy volunteers.
- Comparison of isolates from healthy subjects with 248 Staphylococcus strains obtained from patients diagnosed with staphylococcal conjunctivitis or blepharitis.
- Analysis of species distribution, colony counts, and mannitol/mannose fermentation capabilities of the isolated Staphylococcus strains.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was the predominant C-NS species found in both healthy subjects and patients.
- Staphylococcus aureus was exclusively isolated from patients with staphylococcal eye infections.
- No single C-NS species showed a significant association with disease; however, elevated C-NS colony counts were indicative of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Mannitol or mannose fermentation was observed only in isolates from infected patients.
Conclusions:
- While specific C-NS species are not strongly linked to ocular disease, high colony counts are a significant indicator of conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
- The ability of Staphylococcus to ferment mannitol or mannose may serve as a marker for pathogenic strains causing eye infections.
- Further research into the virulence factors and diagnostic markers of C-NS in ophthalmology is warranted.