Evaluation of the Types and Drug Sensitivity Patterns of Bacterial Isolates from Patients with Eye Discharge at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria

This study aimed to evaluate the types and drug sensitivity patterns of bacterial isolates from patients with eye discharge at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria. A total of 100 samples were collected, with the most prevalent bacterial isolates being Staphylococcus aureus (26%) and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (21%), while no bacterial growth was reported in 42% of samples. In terms of patient demographics, a significant proportion of the patients were females (64%) aged between 61-70 years. In relation to contact lens use, a high percentage (97%) of the bacterial isolates were detected in patients who did not use contact lenses. An occupational distribution analysis revealed that bacterial isolates were more frequent in farmers and traders compared to students and retirees. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of the bacterial isolates showed varying degrees of resistance, with significant resistance observed against Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Perfloxacin. In contrast, higher sensitivity was noted towards Chloramphenicol and Gentamycin. The findings underscore the importance of regular microbiological evaluation and sensitivity testing in patients presenting with eye discharges to guide effective antimicrobial therapy. These findings could guide the selection of empiric antibiotics for treating ocular infections in this region and suggest the need for routine microbiological surveillance to monitor and guide antibiotic prescription to mitigate against antibiotic resistance.