[Neonatal conjunctivitis: microbiologic study and antibiotic sensitivity]
M T Martínez Ruiz1, F J Ascaso Puyuelo, J Navales Bertol
1Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza.
Abstract:
We have analyzed retrospectively fifty conjunctival samples from infants less than one month of age affected with conjunctivitis. Of these samples, 84% had a positive bacterial culture, with the microorganisms isolated, in order of frequency, being: Staphylococcus epidermidis (14%), Staphylococcus aureus (14%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%), Haemophilus sp, Chlamydia and alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus (8%). All of these showed a high sensitivity to most of the drugs tested, except to penicillin and its derivatives. Cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin showed the highest in vitro activities. Of the pharmacological ophthalmic preparations commercially available in our country, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, erythromycin and tobramycin are the agents more active against the bacteria described above.
Insights
Bacterial conjunctivitis is common in newborns. Most bacteria causing infant conjunctivitis are sensitive to common antibiotics, but resistant to penicillin. Cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin show high activity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Care
Context:
- Conjunctivitis is a frequent ocular infection in neonates.
- Bacterial pathogens are a significant cause of neonatal conjunctivitis.
- Retrospective analysis of conjunctival samples from infants.
Purpose:
- To identify common bacterial pathogens causing conjunctivitis in infants.
- To determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated bacteria.
- To evaluate the efficacy of available ophthalmic preparations.
Summary:
- 84% of conjunctival samples from infants with conjunctivitis yielded positive bacterial cultures.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most frequent isolates.
- Bacteria showed high sensitivity to most tested antibiotics, except penicillin, with cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin demonstrating superior in vitro activity.
Impact:
- Informs clinical decisions for treating bacterial conjunctivitis in neonates.
- Highlights the ineffectiveness of penicillin-based treatments.
- Identifies effective antibiotic agents for ophthalmic preparations, including sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, erythromycin, and tobramycin.
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