Bacteriology of chronic dacryocystitis in adult population of northeast India

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the pattern of bacteriology of chronic dacryocystitis in the Northeast Indian population and compare it with previous studies.

Methods: A prospective analysis of 543 lacrimal sac content of 421 patients in the period of October 2003 to June 2007. Material obtained directly from the lacrimal sac during making sac flap that had undergone external dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis.

Results: Five hundred eighty-four bacteria were isolated from 543 specimens of 421 patients. Growths were observed in 494 (90.97%) specimens, and there was no growth in 49 (9.03%) of the specimens; 61.04% were female and 38.95% were male. Four hundred ninety-four samples (90.97%) were positive for bacteria, including both single and mixed isolations. Four hundred five (74.58%) had single isolations, 89 (16.39%) patients had mixed bacterial isolations (more than one organism), and no organisms were isolated from 49 (9.02%) specimens. The majority of microorganisms in our study were gram-positive bacteria, 75% of the overall microorganisms cultured were gram-positive bacteria, with a predominance of staphylococcus species. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 25% of the specimens with predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions: It is important to have knowledge of the microbial organisms responsible for chronic dacryocystitis in a particular geographical area to choose the prophylactic antibiotic following lacrimal drainage procedure. Identification of the microbes and proper antibiotic prophylaxis helps for the better management of the postoperative period.