Bacterial Etiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Isolates from Conjunctivitis Patients in Tripoli, Libya

Acute conjunctivitis is described as inflammation of the conjunctiva that lasts less than 3 to 4 weeks, showing cellular infiltration and exudation. Conjunctivitis can cause significant and lasting harm to the eye, resulting in severe inflammation in the corneal lid. This study seeks to isolate and identify the particular bacterial pathogens responsible for conjunctivitis in patients at Tripoli Eye Hospital. Collection of bacterial samples from patients with conjunctivitis was conducted at the ophthalmic consultative clinic within Tripoli Eye Hospital, Libya between September 2021 and January 2022. Tests were done to separate bacterial pathogens causing conjunctivitis and to test their resistance to antibiotics. Among 140 samples, bacterial infection was detected in 86% of cases while 14% yielded negative results. Males had a higher prevalence of bacterial infections at 63% in comparison to females. Both male and female individuals aged 60-79 years had the highest percentage of bacterial conjunctivitis cases at 51%. Segregation tests showed that the majority (82%) were Gram-positive, while a minority (18%) were Gram-negative, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent bacteria (35%), closely followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (32%). Streptococcal pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp had rates of 2% which were lower. The majority of organisms showed sensitivity to levofloxacin (43%), while there was only a small amount of resistance to polymyxin B (4%). Professional attention and microbiological research are crucial for verifying clinical diagnoses and carrying out suitable and efficient treatments.