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Growth of gram-negative bacteria in a simulated ocular environment
B A Cowell1, M D Willcox, R P Schneider
1Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Purpose:
Gram-negative bacteria are major pathogens in the ocular environment, especially when contact lenses are worn. The source of many of these organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is thought to be environmental.
Methods:
A defined medium is described here that resembles both tear fluid and the environment they are derived from.
Results:
Gram-negative ocular bacteria were found to grow successfully in this medium. Bactericidal tear proteins were added to this medium and pathogenic strains were not only able to resist their effects but were able to use them for growth.
Conclusion:
Utilization of tear proteins for growth may be an important virulence factor of pathogenic bacteria in the ocular environment.