European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Bacterial conjunctivitis is the second most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis. Majority cases of uncomplicated bacterial meningitis get resolved within 1 to 2 weeks. Almost all cases of bacterial conjunctivitis are self-limiting and do not cause any significant morbidity. This study was undertaken to study the pattern of presentation and determine the bacterial profile of conjunctivitis.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, AIIMS Patna, Bihar, India for 1 year. This is prospective observational study with evaluation of demographic factors, associated comorbid conditions and finding causative organism i.e. bacteria gram staining culture methods and biochemical reaction.
Results: Out of 120 cases high number of cases of acute conjunctivitis was seen in the age group of 26–35. A male preponderance is noted with 75 males and 45 females. Total 80 patients were from low socioeconomic status and 40 cases were from middle socioeconomic status. All 120 patients underwent Gram stain and bacterial culture out of 120, 79 patients was culture positive and other was negative. The most common organism isolated Coagulase positive staphylococci 42.5% followed Klebsiella pneumoniae with 11.67%, Pseudomonas 5.83%, Haemophilus species 3.33% and Diptheroids 2.5%. Complications like Petechial haemorrhages were seen in 115(85.83 %) of the cases while Punctate keratitis was seen in 10(8.33%). All the cases presented with red eyes, conjunctival congestion is seen in all the cases, lid oedema in 106(88.33%) cases, matting of eyelashes in 51(42.5%) cases and preauricular lymphadenopathy in 55(45.83%) cases, Conjunctival follicles 98(81.67%) cases  and Corneal sensation was present in 106(88.33%) cases.
Conclusion: we conclude, bacteriological evaluation of conjunctivitis provides to the ophthalmologist a working knowledge of the causal microbes, their common presentations, clinical course and antibiotic sensitivity patterns along with confirming the clinical diagnosis. It also helps to avert the use of inappropriate medications and reduce the risk of drug resistant strains. To achieve this end, public awareness particularly of conjunctivitis, its cause, routes of spread and medical management should be sought.
Keywords: Conjunctivitis, clinical presentation, risk factors, bacteria, microbiological profile, Gram stain