Isolation and identification of the microorganisms most prevalent in external eye infections as seen in an eye clinic in Owerri

Esenwah, E.

Abstract

Infections of the external eye account for a significant percentage of ocular inflammations, some of which lead to visual losses as a result of corneal involvement. This study purely isolated and identified the microorganisms most prevalent in external eye infections in Owerri urban (as seen Mercy Eye clinic). With the aid of sterile swab sticks, specimens were collected from the lid margins, conjunctiva and corneal surfaces, as the case may be, from infected eyes and streaked immediately on bloodandMacConkey plates for culture and analysis. The laboratory results revealed staphylococcus species 23.8%, Escherichia coli, 15.5%and admixture of both microorganisms, 60.7%.

Keywords: External eye infection, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, MacConkey agar