Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Conjunctival Flora in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals

The normal flora of the eye plays an important role in maintaining ocular homeostasis by various mechanisms. They primarily consist of bacteria, which under normal circumstances do not cause infection, but which can be a major source of infection following ocular surgery, trauma, or in people who are immune-compromised. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to infection because glucose in the skin, urine, mucous membranes and tears promotes growth of microorganism. To assess antibiotic sensitivity of conjunctival flora in diabetic and non- diabetic individuals. This case control study was carried out on 120 eyes of 60 patients, divided into 2 groups 30 diabetic patients (group A) and 30 non-diabetic patients (group B) attending ophthalmology outpatients’ clinic at Al Zahraa University Hospital. History was taken and all participants had undergone a thorough ophthalmic evaluation. A specimen was taken from inferior palpebral conjunctiva of both eyes. Isolated micro-organisms were identified using routine microbiological methods. The rate of positive culture in group A was significantly higher as compared to group B. It was noted that there was a significantly higher incidence of staphylococcus epidermidis in group A as compared to group B. Maximum sensitivity was seen with fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin 97.4% and levofloxacin 100%). A higher positive culture rate was seen in diabetic individuals as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) are the drugs of choice and can be considered as routine pre-operative topical medication.