Current Evidence of Coryneform Bacteria on The Ocular Surface of Immunocompromised Cats

Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections may occur on the cornea, conjunctiva and the eyelid of cats.Corynebacterium species are categorized as nonpathogenic bacteria that are regularly detected in the conjunctiva of healthy cats. It has been reported that Corynebacterium species have been shown to be potentially harmful in a variety of tissues including ocular tissues, skin, and mucous membranes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the presence of Corynebacterium spp. on the ocular surface and its antimicrobial sensitivity and susceptibility pattern.  We investigated Corynebacterium species on the ocular surface and reviewed various species of Corynebacterium in terms of their antimicrobial susceptibility and the underlying molecular resistance mechanisms. The risk for Corynebacterium-related ocular infections in cats with low immunity, such as poor nutrition, corneal epithelial damage due to trauma, corneal perforation, lagophthalmos, chronic incurable glaucoma, long-lasting corneal sequestrum, and long-term use of topical steroids have been identified. 64 cats (78 eyes) of different ages and both sexes with various ocular disorders were swabbed. Corynebacterium spp. represented 34.6 % (n=27) of the collected sample and found to be susceptible to common antibiotics. Therefore, the use of antimicrobials for the treatment of ocular infections caused by Corynebacterium species should be a rational and sensible strategy along with provision of immunostimulants.