MICROBIOLOGICALAND CLINICAL SPECTRUM IN CHRONIC DACRYOCYSTITIS

Background: Dacryocystitis is the inammation of the lacrimal sac which is usually because of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. It is a major cause of ocular morbidity especially in females. Bacterial chronic dacryocystitis is more common than acute dacryocystitis. Objective: To isolate and identify various types of bacterial agents associated with Chronic Dacryocystitis and to assess the association between clinical presentations with chronic dacryocystitis. Methods: 60 patients diagnosed with chronic dacryocystitis were recruited for this study. Gram staining , culture and sensitivity of bacterial agents were done. Results: The disease had a prediction to the left side especially in females. Both gram positive and gram negative organisms are associated with chronic dacryocystitis with highest incidence of Staphylococcus aureus (26.7%) followed by Streptococcus pneumonia (6.7%) among the gram positive organisms while among the gram negative organisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.3%), Proteus mirabilis (1.7%) and Morganella mogenii (1.7%) were predominant. Most of the isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to Gentamycin whereas Streptococcus pneumonia showed sensitivity to Tetracyclin, Levooxacin, Tigecycline and Chloremphenicol. Conclusion: Both gram positive and gram negative organisms are associated with chronic dacryocystitis. Knowledge of the bacteriology of dacryocystitis and the susceptibility of the bacteria towards antibiotics will both guide a clinician in the choice of the medication for the appropriate drug for treatment