A STUDY OF MICROBIOLOGICAL FLORA IN CASES OF LACRIMAL DRAINAGE OBSTRUCTION

To study the microbiological flora in lacrimal drainage obstruction, a prospective study was conducted, for a period of six months from January to June 2012. In this study, 50 cases with obstruction in lacrimal drainage system were studied. Fluid obtained by syringing through the lacrimal canaliculi was collected in a cotton swab. Culture and sensitivity of the specimen was done. 84 percent of samples showed positive culture. In most cases with regurgitation of clear fluid and clear fluid with mucoid flecks, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the organism isolated. In cases with purulent regurgitation, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the organism most commonly isolated. Gram negative organisms were isolated in 4.76 percent of cases. Mixed growth was obtained in 7.14 percent of cases. 87.5percent of gram positive organisms showed sensitivity to Ofloxacin. 66.7 percent of gram negative organisms showed sensitivity to Ofloxacin and Chloramphenicol