Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of microbial contamination, associated with contact lenses and lens care accessories used by a group of contact lens wearers. Results show that a total of 178 strains were isolated, including, 100 Gram positive and 78 Gram negative bacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidisand Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common microorganisms isolated (25.281and 13.483% respectively. 24 P. aeruginosa were isolated from lenses and eyes of contact lens and non-contact lens wearers. All isolates were susceptible to the tested aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones(ciprofloxacin) were more efficient than β-lactams. 91.67% of the strains had intermediate-resistant to cefotaximee; 4.17% were resistant and 4.17% were sensitive to Cefotaximee. 95.83% of the strains were sensitive, while 4.17% were resistant to Imipenem. 20.83 and 12.5% of P. aeruginosa strains were resistant and sensitive to Ceftriaxone respectively, while 66.67% were moderately-resistant to ceftriaxone of the β-lactam class. All isolates were sensitive to the other tested β-lactam.

Key words: Microbial keratitides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contact lenses.