Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To date there has been scant data comparing different infectious causes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) between children and adults. This retrospective review of 1816 cases of acquired NLDO from 1992–2004 at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary attempts to identify the most common bacterial isolates cultured from both adults and children and identify any differences between the two groups. Methods: 1816 culture–positive cases of NLDO were identified from records at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Department of Pathology and Microbiology collected from January 1992 until March 2004. Swab cultures were obtained intra–operatively in most cases and cultured using blood agar, chocolate agar, and thioglycolate plates for seven days. Data such as patient age and culture results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: 1087 children and 729 adults were identified as having positive bacterial cultures. Children were age 10 days–10 years (mean 5.9 years) and adults ranged from age 17–83 (mean 58 years). The three most common bacterial isolates in children were S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and Staph. aureus, in that order. The three most common bacterial isolates in adults were Staph. aureus, Coagulase negative Staph species, and Pseudomonas species, in that order. Conclusions: This study represents the largest comparison of infectious causes of NLDO between children and adults. Results are consistent with previously reported culture isolates associated with of NLDO, with the exception of a higher number of adults having NLDO associated with Pseudomonas species. This data may be used to guide antimicrobial therapy in suspected cases of NLDO.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • bacterial disease • eyelid