Bacteria and parasites in contact lenses of asymptomatic wearers in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose This is to determine the prevalence of bacterial and parasitic flora in asymptomatic disposable and extended contact lens wearers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods The study was carried out on 156 contact lenses from 78 asymptomatic wearers between the ages of 12 to 38 years. Eighty two disposable daily wear (DWCL) and 74 extended wear (EWCL) contact lenses were examined. The contact lenses’ swabs and the trays were transferred to the laboratory for microbial examination. Results Fifty two (70.27 %) extended wear contact lenses and 50 (60.98 %) disposable contact lenses examined were contaminated. Streptococcus spp. (4.23 %) were found in extended contact lenses and (3.9 %) in disposable contact lenses. Escherichia coli (15.49 %) were more in the extended contact lenses and were in higher proportion (14.74 %) than the other microorganisms in all the contact lenses. Klebsiella spp. (12.99 %) were more in the disposable lenses than in the extended wear lenses (12.69 %). there were more disposable lenses (41.56 %) with ‘no growth’. Amoebae were isolated from (6.49 %) disposable and (4.23 %) extended wear contact lenses. Seventeen (32.69 %) DWCL had mixed flora. There were significant differences between disposable and extended contact lenses, p < 0.05. Conclusions EWCL present more microorganisms and pose threat to the users. DWCL had more amoebae, which calls for suitable lens care methods. Further studies may be needed to determine the level of care required for contact lens users in developing countries.