Análisis bacteriológicos en el tratamiento de las conjuntivitis: Comparación de la resistencia a antibióticos entre 1982 y 2008

objective: to demonstrate the need for bacteriological analysis for the rational treatment of infections of the corneal surface, including conjunctivitis. methods: the results of 1,970 consecutive bacteriological analysis obtained from 2001 to 2008 in patients with ocular hyperemia and discharge were analysed and compared with a similar study done in 1982 in the same geographical area. results: bacterial growth was obtained in 1,044 cases (53%). the most frequent bacteria were staphylococci spp. (56.6%), followed by streptococci spp. (21.4%), haemophili spp. (12.1%), and other gram-negative bacteria (9.9%). no antibiotic was effective against all the bacteria isolated. the frequency of resistant bacteria against neomycin, tobramycin, erythromycin and gentamicin was significantly increased with respect to the study of 1982. conclusions: bacteriological analysis of conjunctival specimens are necessary to ensure the choice of an effective antibiotic against bacteria of the ocular surface when the initial treatment fails.