Bacteriological Profile, Culture, Sensitivity, and Associated Factors of Bacterial Conjunctivitis Among Patients Attending Eye Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background: An estimated 30 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by conjunctivitis and untreated conjunctivitis poses an increased risk of developing keratitis and corneal ulcerations which could result in blindness and visual impairment. Despite the commonality of the disease in this region, there is a paucity of studies on the occurrence and associated factors of bacterial conjunctivitis. This study sought to determine the bacteriological profile, culture, sensitivity, and factors associated with bacterial conjunctivitis among patients seen in the eye clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among participants who presented to the eye clinic of MNRH with eye discharge, irritation, tearing, and red eyes, between January and March 2020. Findings of slit-lamp biomicroscopy were recorded. Conjunctival swabs were taken from participants for laboratory analysis to establish the bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility.Results: A total of 82 participants were enrolled in the study. The median age was 30 years (IQR 16-48). Forty-two (51%) had bacterial conjunctivitis and the majority had unilateral disease (n=72, 87.8%). Participants aged 10-24.9 years had a higher prevalence of bacterial conjunctivitis compared to those aged 25 and above (aPR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.18-3.03, p = 0.008). The commonest bacteria was S. aureus (n=24, 57.1%) and were sensitive to ciprofloxacin with resistance percentages less than 20%. Almost 95% of the bacteria were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and 90% were susceptible to chloramphenicol. Conclusions: Bacterial conjunctivitis was mainly caused by gram-positive bacteria, especially S. aureus. Age was significantly associated with bacterial conjunctivitis. Most of the bacteria were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and clindamycin.