Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Mar 2020)

Comparison of Ocular Microbiome in Non-contact Lens and Contact Lens Users

  • L Raksha,
  • GB Shantala,
  • Nagaraju Gangashettappa,
  • Deepa Sinha

DOI
https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2020/42954.13573
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 3
pp. DC06 – DC09

Abstract

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Introduction: The resident/normal flora of conjunctiva is linked to infections of the eye in most cases in the wake of ocular surgery, trauma, implants in the eye or contact lens-related infections. Contact lenses due to their direct contact with the ocular surface exert shear stress, cause local trauma and thinning of the cornea. These factors may alter the ocular microbiome and hence may predispose the eye for corneal infiltrations and hence, infections. Aim: To analyse the normal conjunctival flora and compare the same with the microbiome of contact lens users. Materials and Methods: Two samples each from both the eye was collected from 40 non-contact lens users (n=80) and 40 daily contact lens users (n=80) from June 2018 to September 2018. The samples were inoculated onto blood agar, Mac Conkey agar and Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). Organisms were identified according to standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-Negative Bacilli (GNB) isolates. The data obtained was in the form of percentages and were analysed using IBM SPSS statistics software version 25.0. Results: GNB including non-fermenter GNB, Pseudomonas, E.coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter koseri, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Moraxella were isolated only from the conjunctiva of contact lens users and none from non-contact lens users (p-value <0.001). There were 12 GNB isolated from conjunctiva of contact lens users. Of them, 10 were ampicillin resistant, seven were amoxicillin-clavulanate resistant and three were cefotaxime resistant (p-value=0.012) but they were all sensitive to ceftriaxone, imipenem, levofloxacin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The use of contact lens significantly alters the normal conjunctival flora and are a potential source of infection. The present study helped in formulating antibiotic policy (prophylactic use and empiric treatment) for our healthcare establishment in both contact lens users and non-contact lens users.

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