Microbiological spectrum of acute and chronic dacrocystitis in Malwa region

Abstract

Introduction– The aim of this study is to report the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity of acute and chronic dacryocystitis. This was a prospective study done at Sri Aurobindo medical college and PG institute in 61 cases of dacryocystitis from October 2017 to April 2019.

Materials and Method- After proper clinical examination patients were diagnosed with dacryocystitis. On presence of pus filled sac patients were categorised as acute dacryocystitis, chronic dacryocystitis patients were diagnosed after ROPLAS test and lacrimal syringing These cases were reviewed for microbiological and demographic profile. Culture results with the organisms isolated were then recorded. Under aseptic precautions, cleaning the surrounding area, specimens for microbiological analysis were obtained by sterile cotton swab from the lacrimal sac, by applying pressure over the lacrimal sac area and allowing purulent material to reflux through the lacrimal puncta. All the specimens were sent to institute’s microbiology department for analysis.

Results– 61 patients were evaluated out of which 24 were acute onset and 37 had chronic onset. Female male ratio was 1.68. Mean age of presentation was 52 yrs. Gram positive organisms were the most commonly isolated accounting for 74% and the commonest species isolated was S. aureus in 76 %. Percentage of gram-positive cultures was higher in chronic dacryocystitis than acute ones. Also, in culture positive acute dacryocystitis, gram negative species were found in only 17% of cases.

Conclusion– Gram positive bacteria is commonest cause of dacryocystitis however gram negative bacterias were found to be more virulent. The result of this study had significant bearing on patients with dacryocystitis and also helpful when mass cataract surgeries were being performed.