Objective:To review the distribution and shifting trends of pathogens of bacterial endophthalmitis.
Methods: A retrospective analysis on distribution of Gram’s stain, the distribution and change of isolates was performed in 522 specimens (aqueous humor,261 and vitreous body,261) during a 10-year period (1989-1998).
Results: The positive cultures were 119 (aqueous humor,44 and vitreous body,75) of 522 specimens. The average positive rate was 22.8%. Gram-positive cocci constituting 45.4%(54) of total isolates followed by Gram-negative bacilli,34.5%(41);Gram-positive bacilli, 20.2%(24). In the positive bacterial cultures, enterobacteriaceae was the most common isolate, 18.5%, and the next was micrococcus, 16.0%; coagulase-negative staphylococcus,12.6%; pseudomonas,10.9%.Comparing the data from 1989 through 1993 with the data from 1994 through 1998, the frequency of Gram-positive cocci had no significant change, while the frequency of Gram-positive bacilli was decreased and the percentage of Gram’s-negative bacilli was increased.
Conclusions: Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli are the predominant pathogens of bacterial endophthalmitis. The percentage of Gram’s-negative bacilli has increased for 5 years. It is very important to comprehend the distribution and shifting trends of these pathogenic bacteria for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.
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