Spectrum and sensitivity of the ocular surface microbiome

    Abstract

    Background. Microbiome members of the conjunctival cavity often act as pathogens of endophthalmitis in cataract surgery. The problem of resistance to several antimicrobial agents limits the possibility of choosing an effective agent and requires a detailed study by monitoring the spectrum and sensitivity of the ocular surface microbiome.

    Purpose. To evaluate the spectrum of ocular surface microflora and its sensitivity to antimicrobial agents and bacteriophages in patients before cataract phacoemulsification.

    Material and methods. The material from the conjunctival cavity, ciliary eyelid margin, lacrimal ducts was taken from 60 patients (60 eyes) before the operation for microbiologic examination.

    Results.Among the isolated microorganisms Staphylococcus epidermidis predominated in all loci (48.4 %). Almost all antiseptics showed high antimicrobial activity. The lowest proportion of resistant microorganisms to antimicrobials used in ophthalmology was observed to tobramycin and gentamicin (3.4 %). All cultures of staphylococci were sensitive to “Staphylophage” No. 2. The highest number of resistant microorganisms was recorded to ciprofloxacin (16.7 %), levofloxacin (16.1 %), moxifloxacin (16.1 %), as well as to ceftazidime (16.1 %) and azithromycin (15.4 %).

    Conclusion.The antimicrobial activity of the investigated drugs differed against different bacterial species. The sensitivity of microflora changes over time, so it is advisable to periodically monitor and adjust antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens based on the results obtained.

    Keywords: microflora, antibiotic resistance, bacteriophages