Actual opportunistic ocular surface microflora and its sensitivity to antimicrobials and bacteriophages in patients with cataracts

Background: Species of opportunistic microflora often are the pathogenic agents that causes endophthalmitis in cataract surgery. Frequently microorganisms are characterized by resistance to several antimicrobial medicaments, which limits the ability to choose an effective agent. This problem requires a detailed study and monitoring of the sensitivity of ocular surface microflora. Aim: To study the species composition of the ocular surface microflora patients before phacoemulsification and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial medicaments including antiseptics and bacteriophages. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients were examined before phacoemulsification. The sensitivity to antimicrobial medicaments and bacteriophages was determined of microorganisms isolated from three loci (conjunctival cavity, eyelid margin, lacrimal ducts). Results: Among all microorganisms isolated, there was a significant prevalence of Staphylococcus epidermidis — 48,4 %. Almost all antiseptics showed high antimicrobial activity. All staphylococci cultures were sensitive to staphylococcal bacteriophage number 2. The smallest proportion of resistant microorganisms to antimicrobial medicaments used in ophthalmology was registered in the group of aminoglycosides. Conclusions: Antimicrobial activity of the investigated medicaments was different among different bacterial species. The sensitivity of microflora changes over time, therefore it is appropriate to carry out periodic monitoring and adjust antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens based on the results received.