Evaluation of the effects of mono or combined use of topical antiglaucomatous drops on conjunctival flora and antibiotic susceptibility

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the effects of mono or combined use of topical antiglaucomatous drops (AGD) on conjunctival flora and antibiotic susceptibility. Methods The study group consisting of 84 glaucoma patients using AGDs and 32 healthy controls were evaluated. Groups were formed according to the use of 1, 2 and 3 AGDs. A swab was taken from the conjunctival sac from each patient and cultures were made. Patients with conjunctival hyperemia were classified according to their appearance. Results The mean age was 58.61 ± 14.55 years. Conjunctival culture positivity was 84.37%, 89.28% and 90.6% according to the use of 1, 2, and 3 AGDs, respectively, and it was 93.75% in the control group. Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) was statistically significantly higher in all glaucoma patients compared to healthy volunteers ( p = .030). S. hominis was significantly higher especially in those using 2 (42.85%) and 3 (50%) AGDs, compared to those who received mono treatment (31.25%). Candida spp. was also significantly higher in glaucoma patients ( p = .039). In patients with conjunctival hyperemia in glaucoma patients, the most common two bacteria were S. hominis (55.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) (33%), respectively. In the relationship between isolated bacterial species and conjunctival hyperemia grades, Bacillus spp. ( p = .013) was statistically significant. In glaucoma patients, norfloxacin and erythromycin resistance were found to be statistically significantly higher compared to the control group ( p = .01). Conclusion Considering the statistically significant increase in isolates in all glaucoma patients, we suggest that more care should be taken in terms of infection in surgical procedures planned for glaucoma patients