Infectious Eye Diseases Research Articles

Corneal ulcer. Current analysis from specialized ambulatory care of a clinic

A review of 115 cases of ulcerative keratitis that were diagnosed and treated at the specialized ambulatory care center for infectious eye diseases at the 2. Department of Ophthalmology over a period of eight years (January 1983-April 1991) is presented. In the analysis of the etiology nearly half (47.7%) were observed following a trauma to the epithelium, 38 (= 33.0%) were associated with contact lens wear and the third largest group (10.4%) was associated with lid problems. It is apparent that over the course of the last years the spectrum of microorganisms associated with this localized inflammation has shifted: the prevalence of Staphylococci (1983-1986 = 65%) has decreased, whereas the incidence of gram-negative rods increased (1987-1990 = 49%). In 19% Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be isolated, mostly associated with soft contact lens wear. A total of 37.5% of the staphylococci isolates were found to be resistant to gentamicin, most probably as a consequence of the widespread, indiscriminate use of this antibiotic. An updated treatment schedule is presented.

Race and Glaucoma

The medical community should sit up and take notice whenever a dramatic difference in the prevalence of a disease is identified in a particular population group. Whether it be a laboratory experiment or a cross-sectional survey, as in the article published in this issue of JAMA , Racial Variations in the Prevalence of Primary Open-angle Glaucoma: The Baltimore Eye Survey, 1 such a study is worthy of widespread attention. In the United States, where infectious eye diseases are not as prevalent as in third-world countries, glaucoma has become one of the leading causes of blindness. 2 Tielsch et al have now shown that primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) has a remarkably higher prevalence in black members of the US population. Earlier reports pointed to this difference, 3-6 but, until now, equivalent data derived from comparisons of subgroups within a single racially mixed population were not available. Given the

The Evaluation of Bacterial Factors and Conjunctival Cultures in Eye lnfections

In this study, there were 150 patients who had bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, chalazion, dacryocystitis, corneal ulcers, orbital cellulitis and 150 healthy people. Samples from their appropriate areas were obtained for bacteriological investigations. Reproduction was observed in 48 (%32) control group and 80 (%53.3) in patients. Among the patients most common agent pathogen was Strept. Pneumonia (%32,5) and in controls Staph. Epydermidis (%83,3). According to this study, during the waiting period for the results of the bacteriological investigations, at least, chloramphenicol and/or gentamycin treatment can be tried against infectious eye diseases.

Use of Corticosteroids in Combination with Antimicrobial Drugs in the Treatment of Infectious Corneal Disease

AbstractThe use of corticosteroids in the management of infectious eye disease is controversial. In this study, the authors attempt to analyze the goals and risks of the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of various forms of infectious keratitis with reference to generally recognized principles for the treatment of infectious diseases. Existing clinical and research data are reviewed in this context to make appropriate recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and acanthamebic keratitis. The authors conclude that corticosteroids are definitely contraindicated in the treatment of fungal keratitis, and relatively contraindicated in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Topical corticosteroid therapy may have a role in the treatment of bacterial keratitis if appropriate guidelines are followed.

Bacteriologic and serologic studies

With many infectious eye diseases, the practising ophthalmologist is faced by the question as to whether a serologic or microbiologic work-up pays off in terms of greater diagnostic or therapeutic efficiency. A critical appraisal indicates that on average, they are relatively insignificant, and so some time and money could probably be saved. Important exceptions to the rule are discussed separately.

Therapy Using Breast Milk

To the Editor. —Following the example of antiquity, we have tried breast milk for the treatment of viral keratoconjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum along with topical antibiotics. So far, the results have been encouraging. We obtain the supply of mother's milk from the Department of Obstetrics, Catherine Booth Hospital, Nagercoli, India, and 1 drop is instilled every hour. Many of the patients had been previously treated with antibiotics, idoxuridine, and sulfa drugs and had not responded. The subjective improvement is often immediate, and objective improvement follows in the majority of patients. It is likely that mother's milk is not only rich in antibiotics but also in antibodies that could beneficially influence infectious eye diseases.

Eye diseases and ophthalmological care in a developing country (author's transl)

Five million blind people in India suffer from cataract, which is a curable condition. Untreated cataract accounts for more than half of the cases of blindness in that country. Twenty percent of all cases of blindness are caused by infections, while malnutrition accounts for 27% in children. In India, ophthalmological care has been provided for many years now in eye-camps. In cataract surgery, the expression method is customary. Trachomas at all stages, infectious eye diseases, traumatic lesions, vitamin A deficiency and leprosy are also diagnosed and treated in large numbers of cases. By way of an example the authors, assistants at the First Eye Clinic of Vienna University, describe an eye-camp in Andhra Pradesh where they worked. Work of this kind can be recommended to others.

Seasonal rhythm of infectious eye disease in North Africa

The occurrence of infectious eye diseases in a hospital eye department on the island of Djerba in South Tunisia was analysed by mathematical-statistical methods. The seasonal influence was confirmed in accordance with the local traditional opinion and with previous research papers.