Prevalence of bacterial agents in patients with conjunctivitis infection in Farabi hospital, Tehran

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that can decrease vision or even cause blindness. The disease has different etiologies including bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and chemical agents. The aim of this study was to determine the etiological agents of bacterial conjunctivitis and the prevalence of various bacteria in Farabi Hospital Tehran in 1389-1390. This study is descriptive; 60 samples from patients with conjunctivitis were examined. Samples were cultured on enriched media like blood agar and chocolate agar; also on selective and differential media such as EMB or MacConkey agar in the laboratory. Prepared smears were stained by Gram and Giemsa methods. In addition, fungal infections were examined by Conlocal scan. Bacterial prevalence in clinical samples of community was calculated; and relationship between Conjunctivitis and age or sex with was studied. From 60 patients, 55 percent were women; average age was 20±17. 53.3 percent of smears and 72% of cultures were positive. 41.7 percent of positive smears were gram positive cocci; most prevalent bacteria were coagulase negative staphylococci, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis (20 percent). There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of conjunctivitis and age or sex. Frequency of bacterial agents in patients with conjunctivitis are high.