Assessing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Ocular Infections: Isolation and Genetic Detection of AmpC and OprM Genes

Ocular infection is increasing and presenting a considerable public health concern. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most popular bacterial types isolated from eye infections, especially in contact lens users. This study aimed to identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa from ocular infection and molecular detection of ampC and oprM genes and to demonstrate its relation to contact lenses. 100 patients suffering from eye infections were enrolled from Jan. 2024 to May 2024. Their age was between 10 and 60 years, and they were from both genders. Cotton swabs and corneal scrapes were collected from patients aseptically and cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar. The Vitek2 system was applied for the diagnosis of bacteria, and the PCR protocol was used for the detection of ampC and oprM genes. The results found that ocular infection related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is significantly higher in females compared to males (P: 0.01). Also, keratitis cases were considerably higher than conjunctivitis. Moreover, patients using contact lenses are at higher risk of developing conjunctivitis than keratitis. The presence of ampC and oprM genes is significantly associated with keratitis. Conclusion: Findings of the study indicate that conjunctivitis is more common than keratitis among P. aeruginosa infections in the eyes and that females are more likely than males to get these infections. There is a significant association between contact lens use and conjunctivitis and between ampC and oprM genes and keratitis. Also, there is a gender-based distribution of ampC and oprM genes detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from ocular infections.