ABSTRACT

 Bacteria arc the most common microbial agents that cause eye infections. Their prevalence was studied in 298 cases consisting of 35 blepharitis, 208 conjunctivitis and 55 keratitis. Using the culture media of Blood and Chocolate agars, the result was 333 bacteria isolations. The implicated bacteria in order or decreasing frequency were Sla/diylucoccus aureus 80(23.7%), Staphylococcus albus 65(19.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 34(10.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 29(8 6%), Haemophilus influenzae 26(7.7%), Streptococcus pyogenes 20(6.2%). Klebsiella pneumoniae 29(6.2%), Escherichia coli 15(4.4?/o), Neissieria gonorrhoeas 13(3.9%). Streptococcus viridans 22(3.5%), Moraxella catarrhalis 10(3.0%). Streptococcus faecalis 5(1.5%). Proteus mirabilis 5(1.5%), and Neisseria meningitidis (0.3%) Bacteria were isolated most on the infected conjunctiva 222(66.7%). on the cornea 65(20 1%). and least on the eselids 44(13.2%). Bacterial isolates varied in the clinical features =5 653). The age distribution showed a bacterial prevalence of 77(23.2%) and 79(23.7%) in the age groups of 0-2+ and 3-11+ respectively, which was comparable to 66(19 8%) for thel2-17+; 18- 39+ age group 61(18.3%) and 50(15%) for the 40s and above Bacterial isolates had no predilection for age of patients (F4.57 =0.308). Generally, there was a reduced incidence of bacterial infections when compared to past studies, the result of better hygiene and immunization programmes. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most resistant to all (he anti bacterial preparations. The bacterial isolates were more susceptible to the 2 ' generation quinolones than the 1” generations. The study recommends them to be available as ophthalmic preparations, to be dispensed by the qualified practitioners In avoid development of resistance from indiscriminate use Weaning babies al older age is al'-o recommended to acquire maternal immunity