Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: We have previously reported the high incidence OF pathogenic noncomensals, including Ps. auroginosa (37%) from explanted silicone punctal plugs (ARVO 2004). We now describe the microbial flora from explanted punctal plugs(P) and compare them with those of the lid margin(LM) and conjunctiva(C). Methods: Semiquantitative cultures were performed from explanted punctal silicone plugs, lid margin and inferior bulbar conjunctiva from 16 symptomatic patients. Results:Positive cultres were obtained from 13 of 16 patients (81%). 7/13(54%) were polymicrobial. Of the 49 positive isolates from all 3 sites, 25 were from P, 15 from L, and 9 from C. In only 6 cases (12%) was on organism found on a site other then the punctal plug (with 4 being "rare" coag. negative staph.) In nearly all cases, the colony counts were semi quantitatively higher on the punctal plug. Noncomensal pathogenic organisms were always found on the punctal plug (Serratia 3(23%), Strenotrophomonas 2(15%), Hemphilus sp. 2(13%), Klebsiella 1(8%), E. coli 1(8%). Conclusions: Pathogenic organisms can colonize silicone punctal plugs by the potential formation of biofilm, may modify the microbial flora of the lid margin and/or conjunctiva, and may play a pathogenic role on the ocular surface. </td> </tr> <TR>
Keywords: microbial pathogenesis: clinical studies • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • microbial pathogenesis: clinical studies