Cause Of Conjunctivitis Research Articles

Etiology and Outcomes of Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis in Children

To determine the causes of conjunctivitis and whether clinical presentations and outcomes differ by pathogen. This multicenter, case-control study enrolled 390 children (194 cases, 196 controls) whose conjunctival samples were tested for bacterial and viral pathogens. Caregivers completed surveys tracking symptoms, antibiotic use, school attendance, and adverse events. The outcomes analyzed included the prevalence of microorganisms detected by PCR in cases versus controls, symptoms, rate of resolution by day 5, school/childcare attendance, and parent-reported antibiotic-related adverse incidents. Most cases (148, 76%) and controls (112, 57%) had bacteria identified, although only detection of Haemophilus influenzae was associated with conjunctivitis (aOR 4.59, 95% CI 2.86, 7.37). Purulent discharge was associated with H. influenzae (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.23, 5.01) and occurred in 92 (77%) cases in which H. influenzae was detected and 39 (53%) in which H. influenzae was not detected. Improvement (186, 96%) and resolution (166, 86%) were observed by day 5 for most children and did not differ based on ophthalmic antibiotic use. Caregivers reported antibiotic-associated adverse events for 21 (20%) children with 8 (8%) requiring a medical visit. Only H. influenzae was significantly associated with conjunctivitis. Symptoms did not differ in children with or without bacteria detected by PCR. Independent of antibiotic use, most children experienced resolution by day 5, but parents reported adverse events in 20% of children treated with topical antibiotics, underscoring the importance of judicious prescribing.

The Occurrence of Chlamydia felis in Cats and Dogs in Hungary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many human infections are zoonoses, creating a worldwide public health challenge. Among Chlamydia species, Chlamydia felis is the leading cause of conjunctivitis in cats and is a prominent zoonotic species. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk of chlamydiosis in cats and dogs in Szeged, Hungary, and surrounding areas. The total nucleic acids from conjunctival swab samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic animals were extracted using an automated nucleic acid extraction system. After that, DNA was amplified by pan-chlamydia PCR. Bacterial and fungal cultures were also performed to detect other microorganisms. Of the 93 animals, 32 (34.4%) were positive for pan-chlamydia PCR. The positivity rates were 33.3% (26/78) in cats and 40.0% (6/15) in dogs. Furthermore, the positivity rates were 37.2% (16/43) in the cat shelter, 42.4% (14/33) in the veterinary clinic, and 11.7% (2/17) in household pets. In total, 103 species were identified through culture-based examinations, including 97 (94.2%) bacterial and 6 fungal (5.8%) species. From both human and animal health perspectives, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the circumstances of chlamydiosis, given the global impact of zoonotic diseases.

Appropriateness of Antibiotics Prescription for Conjunctivitis in Primary Health Care: A Literature Review

Abstract
 Introduction & Objectives : Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases present in primary health care (PHC) settings. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viral infections and allergies. Despite this, patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis are often given antibiotics as therapy. Therefore, this literature review will assess the appropriateness of antibiotics prescription for patients with conjunctivitis in PHC settings.
 Methods : The authors performed an electronic literature search on databases PubMed and Scopus for eligible articles, which showed antibiotic prescription for patients with conjunctivitis in PHC settings and published between 2012 and 2022, then further sorted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
 Results : A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies showed high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for patients with conjunctivitis in PHC. Several factors that might cause inappropriate prescription include the difficulty in determining the exact etiology, the need to fulfill patients’ satisfaction, the amount of experience and training doctors have received, consultation’s duration, stigma, the socio-demographic factors of the patient, the availability of treatment guidelines, and the availability of drugs. Some of the consequences that are concerned include the rise of antimicrobial resistance, stigma revolving around the usage of antibiotics for every infectious disease, and economic burden. Delays in prescribing antibiotics and proper training for general practitioners can be a solution to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics.
 Conclusion : Prescribing antibiotics for patients with conjunctivitis in PHC settings is mostly inappropriate

Influence of environmental factors on physiological state of domestic yak (Bos mutus) (on the example of the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania”)

Increased interest in the treatment and prevention of diseases of large herbivorous animals is associated with the processes of their acclimatisation during introduction and reintroduction, modelling behaviour in the conditions of existence in a wild natural environment, with minimal human participation. Since 2014, acclimatisation of domestic yak (Bos mutus Przewalski, 1883) in the steppe zone in the east of the Russian Plain, at the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania” has been carried out. “Orenburg Tarpania” is a project of the Steppe Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences to return large ungulates to their natural habitat in order to maintain optimal functioning of natural ecosystems. The ideology of the project corresponds to the concept of ecological rewilding. The animals are kept in a semi-voluntary state. The domestic yak is chosen as a species adapted to existence in extreme conditions with low temperature, extreme solar radiation in the southern latitudes, and relatively arid conditions. The conditions of yak keeping in the steppe zone differ from its natural habitat. During the period of observation, two reasons for the disturbance of the physical condition of animals have been recorded. Firstly, these are injuries received in the process of life activity. Injuries are often complicated by wolfarthiasis. The second disturbance of physical condition of domestic yak is eye damage in some individuals, which occurs due to incomplete adaptation of some animals to high wind activity, typical for the steppe region. The main cause of conjunctivitis and keratitis is dust raised by strong winds. A set of measures has been developed and adapted to provide treatment of animals in conditions close to natural habitat and semivoluntary confinement.

Triple hit on ocular surface inflammation – case reports

In everyday medical practice, finding the exact cause of conjunctivitis can be difficult without thorough laboratory testing. Therefore, the paper presents cases of treating ocular surface disorders of unknown etiology with the help of combination preparations in the form of a suspension, which allows a wide range of therapeutic effects including bacteria, chlamydia and allergic inflammation and provides a more stable and longer-lasting drug concentration level compared to drugs in the form of aqueous solutions.

Ayurveda Management of Viral Conjunctivitis (Raktaja Abhishyanda) – A Case Report

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye", is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The three most common causes of conjunctivitis are viral, allergic, and bacterial, and the majority of cases are caused by adenovirus. It’s outbreak is not uncommon. Outbreak usually linked to people congregation settings like hostels , classrooms, shared accommodations etc. Conjunctivitis causes the eye to appear erythematous secondary to the dilation of blood vessels and is usually accompanied by increased tearing or mucoid discharge. This activity describes the risk factors, evaluation, and management of viral conjunctivitis and highlights the role of the practitioners in enhancing care delivery to affected patients. In Ayurveda, Viral Conjunctivitis can be correlated to Raktaja Abhishyanada.

Protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico de las conjuntivitis

Conjunctivitis (an eye disease that mainly affects the conjunctiva) is one of the main causes of red eye. A thorough eye examination is essential for a correct diagnosis and management of the different causes of conjunctivitis (acute or chronic, infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, etc.).

The potency of kitolod leaves (Hipobroma longiflora) as traditional medicine for conjunctivitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a brief review

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most activities have transformed into digital ones, including computer usage. The digital screen on the computer has blue light radiation which can activate inflammatory cytokines of the eye surface and cause various disorders including includes conjunctivitis. Kitolod leaves (Hippobroma longiflora) have been used traditionally to treat conjunctivitis. This paper aimed to describe the potency of kitolod leaves for conjunctivitis. This is a narrative literature review using publications gathering from PubMed and Google Scholar published since 2013 with exclusion criteria were the animal studies. The keywords of COVID-19 pandemic, blue light, conjunctivitis, H. longiflora, traditional therapy were used. Boolean logic "AND" was used to find specific international scientific publications in PubMed. Forty selected publications were gathered, summarized and then narrated. The kitolod leaves contains bioactive substances i.e. flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins which can inhibit S. aureus growth as the main cause of conjunctivitis. The mechanism of antibacterial of these bioactive substances through inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, disruption of cytoplasmic membrane function, and inhibition of energy formation process. Kitolod leaves is potential to develop as traditional medicine for conjunctivitis. However, further studies are required to obtain the best standardized extract and to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.

Pediatric Conjunctivitis: A Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management.

Conjunctivitis is a common pediatric problem and is broadly divided into infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Bacterial conjunctivitis makes up the majority of cases in children and often presents with purulent discharge and mattering of the eyelids. Treatment is supportive with an individual approach to antibiotic use in uncomplicated cases since it may shorten symptom duration, but is not without risks. Viral conjunctivitis is the other infectious cause and is primarily caused by adenovirus, with a burning, gritty feeling and watery discharge. Treatment is supportive. Allergic conjunctivitis is largely seasonal and presents with bilateral itching and watery discharge. Treatment can include topical lubricants, topical antihistamine agents, or systemic antihistamines. Other causes of conjunctivitis include foreign bodies and non-allergic environmental causes. Contact lens wearers should always be treated for bacterial conjunctivitis and referred to evaluate for corneal ulcers. Neonatal conjunctivitis requires special care with unique pathogens and considerations. This review covers essential information for the primary care pediatric provider as they assess cases of conjunctivitis.

Zoonotic potential of guinea pigs: Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis combined with chlamydiosis in a breeding guinea pig herd.

In a guinea pig herd with 26 breeding animals, several individuals of all age categories died (16/26) after three animals had been newly introduced from another herd. Furthermore, the population suffered of apathy, anorexia, severe weight loss and conjunctivitis, as well as abortions and stillbirths. At the same time, the owner experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection with pneumonia, which was confirmed by taking a PCR test. Chlamydia caviae was detected from the conjunctiva and vagina/uterus in one juvenile animal together with an intestinal Cryptosporidium wrairi infection. Oocysts were found histologically in the small intestine, which was confirmed by PCR. C. wairi is a parasite adapted to guinea pigs with zoonotic potential, which causes diarrhoea with frequent deaths in larger guinea pig herds. C. caviae is also a zoonotic pathogen and often the cause of conjunctivitis, pneumonia and abortions in guinea pigs and can lead to upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis but also severe pneumonia in humans. The increased death cases and the clinical signs could be traced back to an infection with Cryptosporidium wrairi, complicated by a co-infection of C. caviae. We suspect that the abortions were caused by C. caviae, but since the population was treated with various antibiotics effective against chlamydial infections, it was no longer possible to verify this by PCR testing. Unfortunately, more animals succumbed and finally only two animals of the originally 26 were left. With this case report, we would like to point out to veterinarians that guinea pigs can be an important source of zoonotic infections for various pathogens, especially since they are popular pets and often come into close contact with children where hygiene might not always be strictly followed.

A Case of <i>Serratia Marcescens</i> Conjunctivitis in a Young Male after Exposure to Contaminated Shampoo in a Fitness Club

The contamination of shampoo with bacteria is not very common but can happen and can be a potential cause of conjunctivitis. This case report describes a 24-year-old male who developed conjunctivitis after using a Serratia marcescens contaminated shampoo in a fitness club. The patient had redness, swelling, and discharge in both eyes. Cultures of the shampoo and eye swabs were positive for S. marcescens with indistinguishable DNA fingerprints. The patient was treated with an eye drop antibiotic and his symptoms resolved within a week. This case highlights the possibility of exposure in places where shampoos containers are refilled or shared. The avoidance of refilling them and using replaceable cartridges, single-sealed refill bags, or bringing personal shampoo is highly recommended to prevent such incidents.

Detection of Bacterial Causes of Conjunctivitis Among Neonates and Under five Children and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern

Objectives: The present study was designed to find out the bacterial causes of conjunctivitis among neonates and under five children and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done in the department of Microbiology, Dhaka Medical College from July 2012 to June 2013. Conjunctival swab samples were collected from neonates and children of clinically suspected conjunctivitis attending OPD of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital. Results: Out of 206 cases, 145 (70.73%) were culture positives. Most common gram positive bacteria was Staphylococcas aureus and gram negative bacteria was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In neonates, Chlamydia trachomatis were detected by PCR. Organisms show highest sensitivity to vancomycin, amikacin, and chloramphenicol. Conclusion: So, early diagnosis of bacterial causes and its antibiotic sensitivity pattern will help in proper management of childhood conjunctivitis. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2022; 30: 123-128

Indication-prescription study for the management of conjunctivitis in a Colombian population.

PurposeConjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular pathologies. Its treatment depends on its etiology, but an excessive use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, which in many cases are contraindicated, has been described. The objective was to describe the prescription patterns of medications used to treat conjunctivitis in a Colombian population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study on the pharmacological treatment of patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021; based on a drug-dispensing database of approximately 8.5 million people affiliated with the Colombian Health System. Some sociodemographic and pharmacological variables and comorbidities were considered. A descriptive analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 8708 patients were identified; they had a median age of 44.7 years, and 59.3% were women. The most common causes of conjunctivitis were unspecified (53.1%) and allergic (37.4%). The most commonly used drug was olopatadine (26.1%), followed by dexamethasone with neomycin and polymyxin B (25.0%). A total of 97.0% of the patients received ophthalmic prescriptions, while 12.8% received systemic medications. Glucocorticoids (40.3%), antibiotics (37.7%) and antihistamines (31.7%) were the most commonly used groups of ophthalmic drugs. Glucocorticoids and ophthalmic antibiotics were the medications most frequently prescribed by general practitioners for the treatment of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.ConclusionsMany patients with conjunctivitis are not being managed according to the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, which highlights that the widespread use of antibiotics with ophthalmic glucocorticoids could be considered potentially inappropriate prescriptions in many cases.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10792-022-02390-7.

NEONATAL BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SANA'A CITY, YEMEN

Background: Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) is the most widespread eye infection occurring in the first 28 days of life. Although most of these cases are benign, some may progress to systemic complications or blindness if left untreated. Objectives: The current study was conducted with the aim of revealing the bacteriological causes of conjunctivitis in neonates and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of these bacteria. Subjects and methods: The study included all neonates at the age of 1 to 28 days presenting at the neonatal nurseries with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and level II care beds in three hospitals; Authority of Al-Thawra General Hospital, Al-Kuwait University Hospital and Al-Sabeen Maternity and Child Hospital in Sana’a city, Yemen. A full history was taken from each nurse and mothers of the neonates included in the study in which the findings were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire including socio demographic, maternal clinical information and therapeutic interventions. To isolate the causative agent, the conjunctival swabs were inoculated on proper media and bacteria were identified by standard microbiological methods and antibiotic resistance was done for the isolates. Results: 203 swabs were collected from newborns with eye discharge over a nine-month period. Positive growth rate was 51.7%, males were more affected (57.1%), 80% of affected neonates had low birth weight, 71.4% of preterm infants were most affected (p <0.01). There was a significant relationship between invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation with neonatal conjunctivitis (p<0.05). Gentamicin showed good in vitro sensitivity to all bacteria isolated, Staphylococcus aureus (83%), Escherichia coli 84.6%, with P. aeruginosa it was 60%. Conclusion: The vast majority of cases of neonatal conjunctivitis were mild with a high level of occurrence, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the major bacterial agents, neonatal conjunctivitis most likely to be a hospital-acquired infection. There was a significant association between phototherapy, non-invasive ventilation and incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis . Gentamicin had high activity against the bacteria isolated in this study. Peer Review History: Received: 9 November 2021; Revised: 11 December; Accepted: 27 December, Available online: 15 January 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Dr. Jucimary Vieira dos Santos, Hemonorte Dalton Barbosa Cunha, Brazil, jucimaryvieira@yahoo.com.br Similar Articles: BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS OF ADULTS: CAUSES AND OPHTHALMIC ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS FOR THE COMMON BACTERIAL ISOLATES BACTERIAL CAUSES AND ANTIMICROBIAL SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF EXTERNAL OCULAR INFECTIONS IN SELECTED OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINICS IN SANA’A CITY

Features of the Clinical Course and Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in the Setting of Chronic Conjunctivitis in the South Aral Sea Region

Background. Currently, the health status of the population in the Aral Sea region should be considered with reference to long-term effects of environmental pollution – air, soil and drinking water containing toxic salts. As per results of the analysis of primary eye diseases in the Southern Aral Sea region, it was revealed that the main cause of conjunctivitis were chemical and physical exogenous irritation factors, such as dust, smoke and exposure to salt and sand storms that create a favorable environment for infection and development of secondary Dry Eye Syndrome. Purpose. To optimize treatment of secondary Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in patients with chronic conjunctivitis in the South Aral Sea region. Materials and Methods. The research included 62 patients (120 eyes) with chronic conjunctivitis, aged 35–62 years, who had been observed in an outpatient clinic for the last 3 years, with signs of DES. All studied patients were divided into 2 groups by random sampling after preliminary adequate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. The control group (20 patients, 40 eyes) was instilled with Tsinosol antiseptic (composition: zinc sulphate, boric acid, Aseptic) – 2 drops 3 times a day, during 30 days. Patients of the main group (42 patients, 80 eyes) were instilled with Tsinosol antiseptic (2 drops 3 times a day) and Keratrop artificial tear (AT) eye drops (composition: sodium carmellose, glycerin, levocarnitine, erythrol, firma Aseptica) – 2 drops 3 times a day, during a month. All patients underwent standard ophthalmological tests, and special tests were carried out to verify DES, including Schirmer, Norn and Jones tests. Lower lacrimal meniscus height and the severity of the conjunctival fold were also determined. Results. Studies have shown that in the main group, both subjective and objective signs of the disease significantly decreased compared with the baseline and with the respective parameters of the control group, and a significant improvement in the stability of the tear film was noted. Conclusion. To optimize the therapy of secondary DES, it is necessary to include artificial tear eye drops in the treatment regimen in general, and consider using Keratrop eye drops in particular.

Occurrence of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia felis pmp9 Typing in Conjunctival and Rectal Samples of Swiss Stray and Pet Cats

Chlamydia (C.) felis primarily replicates in feline conjunctival epithelial cells and is an important cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Data on C. felis infection rates in stray cats in Switzerland has been missing so far. We performed a qPCR-based Chlamydiaceae-screening on 565 conjunctival and 387 rectal samples from 309 stray and 86 pet cats followed by Chlamydia species identification and C. felis typing using the gene pmp9, which encodes a polymorphic membrane protein. Overall, 19.1% of the stray and 11.6% of the pet cats were Chlamydiaceae-positive with significantly higher rates in cats displaying signs of conjunctivitis (37.1%) compared to healthy animals (6.9%). Rectal shedding of Chlamydiaceae occurred in 25.0% of infected cats and was mostly associated with concurrent ocular positivity (87.5%). In 92.2% of positive conjunctival and rectal samples, the Chlamydia species was identified as C. felis and in 2.6% as C. abortus. The C. felis pmp9 gene was very conserved in the sampled population with only one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in one conjunctival sample. In conclusion, C. felis strains are circulating in Swiss cats, are associated with conjunctivitis, have a low pmp9 genetic variability, and are rectally shed in about 16% of positive cases.

A silent “shipyard eye”: lessons from an epidemic keratoconjunctivitis outbreak in Portugal

Abstract Issue Adenoviral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. Its most severe form is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). This highly contagious disease is the only form to significantly involve the cornea and may cause visual impairing sequelae that persist for years. Description On January 2020, staff members at a childcare facility (CCF) alerted the Public Health Unit of Loures-Odivelas to a suspected conjunctivitis outbreak. The CCF was responsible for 57 children, separated in different rooms: a nursery (4-12 months), a pre-school (1-3 years) and a kindergarten (4-5 years). At the initial assessment, 4 cases of active disease were identified, all of which were at home and under treatment. CCF staff had previously identified 33 cases. Symptom onset of the index case had occurred more than 5 weeks before the alert. Infection control and epidemiological investigation were initiated. CCF staff was instructed to implement preventive measures, including careful disinfection of surfaces and toys, as well as frequent handwashing. Information about the disease and recommendations were sent to the children's caretakers. Results A total of 87 cases distributed in 8 weeks were identified: 28 at the CCF (25 children and 3 workers) and 59 close contacts (50 adults and 9 children). Average duration of disease was 14.1 days. In total, 43.9% of the children attending the CFF were affected. The highest attack rate was observed at the pre-school (69.2%, against 38.9% and 17.6% at the nursery and the kindergarten, respectively). 88.0% of the CCF children's households were affected. The average number of affected close contacts per affected child attending the CCF was 2.63. Corneal involvement was observed in 17,4% of cases. Lessons EKC outbreaks may go unnoticed by public health services, despite its high contagiousness and impact. Improvement of communication with organizations in the community is essential to secure future early detection and intervention. Key messages Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease with potential long-term consequences. Early detection and intervention by public health services are essential to mitigate the impact of outbreaks and depend on well-established communication lines with institutions in the community.

Conjunctivitis: A Systematic Review.

Conjunctivitis is a commonly encountered condition in ophthalmology clinics throughout the world. In the management of suspected cases of conjunctivitis, alarming signs for more serious intraocular conditions, such as severe pain, decreased vision, and painful pupillary reaction, must be considered. Additionally, a thorough medical and ophthalmic history should be obtained and a thorough physical examination should be done in patients with atypical findings and chronic course. Concurrent physical exam findings with relevant history may reveal the presence of a systemic condition with involvement of the conjunctiva. Viral conjunctivitis remains to be the most common overall cause of conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is encountered less frequently and it is the second most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is encountered in nearly half of the population and the findings include itching, mucoid discharge, chemosis, and eyelid edema. Long-term usage of eye drops with preservatives in a patient with conjunctival irritation and discharge points to the toxic conjunctivitis as the underlying etiology. Effective management of conjunctivitis includes timely diagnosis, appropriate differentiation of the various etiologies, and appropriate treatment.

Bacterial Etiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Conjunctivitis Patients' Isolates in Kashan, Iran.

Background:Conjunctivitis is a very common ocular disease, which can be caused by a wide variety of microorganisms. This study was aimed to assess the bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility of conjunctivitis patients' isolates from Central Iran.Materials and Methods:This study was performed in 180 patients referred to the Department of Ophthalmology in Kashan University with symptoms of conjunctivitis from July 2017 to December 2017. To detect of different bacteria, Gram staining, morphological characterization, pigment production, biochemical characteristics, coagulase test, optochin and PYR tests, oxidase test, and culture on specific media were used. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria isolated was done using the Kirby–Bauer method. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci isolated from the patients was identified using polymerase chain reaction technique.Results:Of the 195 bacteria isolated, about 81.5% were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and the remaining 19.5% included other species. In the present study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most resistant to ampicillin. In the case of S. epidermidis and S. aureus, the highest resistance was observed against erythromycin and the least resistance was against rifampicin and linezolid.Conclusion:In this study, S. aureus and S. epidermidis are the most common causes of conjunctivitis in all age groups, however, this condition decreases with age and is also influenced by other factors such as season and weather conditions. The results of this study can be helpful in planning more prudent treatment strategies for patients with conjunctivitis in Kashan.

Closed Complete Annotated Genome Sequences of Five Haemophilus influenzae Biogroup aegyptius Strains.

Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius is a cause of conjunctivitis in children. Biogroup aegyptius strains also caused fatal outbreaks of invasive disease, known as Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF), in the 1980s. BPF is fatal if untreated. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of five strains of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius.