Introduction: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis is a global economic burden due to its common occurrence, contagiousness and potentially debilitating morbidities. The bulk of conjunctivitis related costs include consultation, supportive care, drugs prescription, diagnostic tests and productivity loses associated with time away from work or school. Viral etiology was the main reason for most of the outbreaks. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common condition of the eye that affects all ages, social strata and occurs worldwide. Acute conjunctivitis has a symptoms of less than 3 to 4 weeks of duration. Some reports indicate that 50-75% of acute conjunctivitis are caused due to the bacteria. In adults Staphylococcus, S. pneumoniae and H. influenza are the common pathogens causing bacterial conjunctivitis.
Materials and Methods: Total 70 eyes of 52 patients of diagnosed acute conjunctivitis were examined at our institute from April 2018 to January 2019. This is prospective observational study with evaluation of demographic factors, associated comorbid conditions and finding causative organism i.e. bacteria and /or fungus by gram staining, KOH mounting and culture sensitivity.
Results: In our study acute conjunctivitis was commonly seen in males than females and in age group of 18-45. It was commonly seen in patients of low socioeconomic status. Predominantly right eye involvement was observed. 16 cases showed positive results for Gram staining. KOH test was negative in all cases. S. aureus was the commonest organism identified on culture and sensitivity. S. aureus and S. pneumonae were equally isolated in patients on chronic steroid use.
Conclusion: Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common i.e. 30.76 % than fungal in our study. No fungal organism was detected in our study. S. aureus, S. pneumonae, H. influenzae and S. epididymis were most common bacterias seen in our study. S. aureus and S. pneumonae were equally isolated in patients on chronic steroid use. We feel that such comprehensive surveys are necessary to assess the specific characteristics of the acute conjunctivitis, which are unique for each region and population.
Keywords: Acute conjunctivitis, Gram staining, KOH mounting, Staphylococcus aureus.
