Assessing the Microbiological Spectrum of Dacryocystitis Patients at a Tertiary Eye Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the microbiological spectrum and the demographics of dacryocystitis patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review on patients’ electronic medical records were utilized to collect data on patients who presented with dacryocystitis. A total of 97 patients were included and data were collected on the demographics, type of organisms, antibiotic sensitivity, response to antibiotics therapy, management, and complications. Results: Gram-positive cultures predominated in all genders in both adult and pediatric age groups and accounted for 61.3% of the sample. In adults, Staphylococcus aureus was the leading gram-positive organism (25.7%) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa(7.9%) and Haemophilus influenzae (6.9%) were the most common gram-negative organisms. In pediatric cases, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus intermedius were equally prevalent and gram-negative infection was exclusively due to Haemophilus species (26%). Conclusions: Comprehending the microbiologic spectrum and its trend is crucial for managing an infection and recommending suitable antibiotic therapy. Initial Empirical therapy for dacryocystitis cases is targeted toward the Gram-positive organisms due to its prevalence. As a result, we heartily advise conducting a local study from time to time to assess the trend in the microbiological spectrum and shift in epidemiology, along with the antimicrobial sensitivity.