DOI: 10.4103/mgmj.mgmj_65_26 ISSN: 2347-7946

Microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial and fungal ocular infections in a tertiary care hospital

Kajal Rajput, Akansha Goyal, Sapna Chauhan
Show PDF Cite

Abstract

Background:

Ocular infections are a significant cause of visual morbidity worldwide and are caused by a diverse range of bacterial and fungal pathogens. The rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance underscores the necessity for ongoing assessment of local microbial patterns and their susceptibility profiles to ensure effective therapeutic interventions.

Materials and Methods:

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months and included 100 patients presenting with clinically suspected ocular infections. Collected specimens were subjected to direct microscopic examination and cultured on standard media. Isolate identification was performed using conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M100 (2025) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, with a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of the 100 samples analyzed, 65 (65.0%) yielded positive cultures. Among these, bacterial isolates accounted for 42 (64.6%) cases, fungal isolates for 20 (30.8%) cases, and polymicrobial growth was detected in 3 (4.6%) cases. Staphylococcus aureus (15; 35.7%) was the most frequently isolated bacterium, with 6 (40.0%) identified as methicillin-resistant, whereas Fusarium species (9; 45.0%) were the predominant fungal pathogens. Microbial keratitis was the most common clinical presentation (45; 45.0%) and had the highest culture positivity rate (34; 75.6%; P = 0.021). Gram-positive isolates demonstrated the highest sensitivity to linezolid (14; 93.3%) and other tested agents. Among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, notable sensitivity was observed to amikacin (8; 80.0%) and meropenem (9; 90.0%).

Discussion:

These findings indicate a predominance of bacterial pathogens, with a considerable proportion of fungal isolates, highlighting the microbial diversity typical of tropical regions. The observed antimicrobial susceptibility patterns underscore the importance of region-specific data to guide empirical treatment and address the challenge of emerging resistance.

Conclusion:

S. aureus and Fusarium species were the predominant pathogens. High susceptibility to linezolid and aminoglycosides was observed, whereas reduced fluoroquinolone sensitivity highlights emerging resistance, emphasizing the need for region-specific antimicrobial strategies.

More from our Archive