INCIDENCE OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCI IN BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

Abstract

A total of 100 conjunctival samples were cultured to investigate the bacteriologic outcome, focusing on the incidence of methicillin resistant staphylococci. Bacteria was identified in 91 cases (91%). Cultural and clinical diagnosis were found 100% compatible in neonates, 96.6% in children and 86% in adult patients. Staphylococci were isolated from 65 cases (71.4%). Methicillin resistant staphylococci (MRS) were identified in 37 cases (40.6%) of bacterial conjunctivitis, 22 of which (59.5%) were methicillin resistant coagulase positive staphylococci (MRCOPS) and 15 (40.5%) were methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCONS). This study highlights the need for more work to establish the role of MRS commensals and ocular infections.