Abstract

 Acontaminated ophthalmic solutions represent a potential cause of avoidable ocular infection. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and pattern of microbial contamination of eye drops in out patient at the department of ophthalmology, at Baghdad national hospital, Iraq. Fifty four vials from the out patient clinic were obtained for microbial examination after an average use of 2 weeks. The dropper tip and the residual eye drop were examined for contamination. The specimens were cultured, the number of colonies counted, the organisms identified. Eight (15%) out of 54 analyzed vials were contaminated , most bacteria identified belonged to the normal commensal flora of the eye. Isolated contaminants were Staphylococcus auereus, Micrococcus , Neisseria catarrhalis, Gram negative Rods, Candida albicans, and Staph epidermidus.The dropper tip was more often contaminated (n=5) than the residual solution (n=2) and only one vial showed acontamination of both the drop and the tip (n=1) . Our data show acontamination rate of 15%, which is in the medium range of data puplished on the contamination of eye drops elsewhere (0.07% to 35.8%).
 Key words : Microbial Contamination, Eye Drops
Highlights
Contaminated eye drops and ophthalmic [1] to be compatible with other ingredient,(2)solutions are a potential cause of ocular to be efficient during the entire duration of use infection
(1) The published increases the penetration of the active ingrediente of the drug, thiomers; contamination rate of in-use ophthalmic chlorhexdine; parahydroxy benzoate; solutions varies widely in the literature from 0.07% [5] to 35.8%.(3) A part from the risk of infection, bacterial contamination of eye drops phenylmercuric nitrate, EDTA, chlorobutanol; benzylalcohol; phenylethyl alcohol; and parabens[8,9]
Within the four categories the rate of contamination varied between 0% for analgesics and 17% ---> for both antibiotics and Steroids.The dropper tip was more often contaminated (n=5) than the residual solution (n=2)
Summary
Solutions are a potential cause of ocular to be efficient during the entire duration of use infection. They can be associated with keratitis.[1] and corneal ulcers[2] and carry the of eye drops, and [3] to be non toxic. Cytotoxic effects and inflammatory cell responses.[6] The antimicrobial activity is These substances aim to preventing or important for the rate of infection resulting inhibiting the growth of microorganisms which from contamination during the process of increase the risk of infection or degradation of instillation. The self sterilizing effect of eye ciliaries conjunctiva and cornea are possible drops caused by the presence of preservatives has been discussed controversially[7]
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Schedule a callMore From: Iraqi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ( P-ISSN 1683 - 3597 E-ISSN 2521 - 3512)
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