5324. Bacterial culture. Eye (right side). Antimicrobial resistance profile with MIC (if microflora is detected)

Eye culture is a bacteriological test that allows detection of pathogens causing infectious and inflammatory eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, etc.) and determination of their antibiotic susceptibility.

Automated identification of microorganisms is performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on the MALDI Biotyper sirius IVD System analyzer (Bruker, Germany).

If microflora is detected, an antibiotic susceptibility test with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) is performed – a parameter that helps the physician individually select the most effective antibacterial drug for treatment.

Bacteriological examination of material from the eye (a swab from the conjunctiva or eyelid mucosa) is an important method for diagnosing inflammatory processes of bacterial origin in ophthalmology.

The test allows for the detection, identification, and quantitative assessment of microorganisms causing eye infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella spp., Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family.

The main clinical manifestations of such infections include redness, swelling, tearing, itching, eye discharge, pain, or decreased visual acuity.

Eye infections occur due to the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms onto the conjunctiva, cornea, or eyelids. Clinically, this presents as redness, swelling, tearing, itching, pain, discharge, and reduced vision. The most common forms include bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis.

The main bacterial pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella spp., Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms such as Corynebacterium spp. can also cause mild inflammation. Prolonged topical use of antibiotics may lead to secondary candidiasis caused by Candida fungi. In newborns, infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are particularly dangerous, as they can be transmitted during childbirth.

Inflammation may result not only from infection but also from allergy, trauma, excessive UV exposure, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases, or immunodeficiency conditions. Therefore, bacteriological testing plays an important role in differential diagnosis.

Culture testing makes it possible to establish the etiology of infection, identify the pathogen, and determine its susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. Calculation of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) within the antibiotic susceptibility test enables personalized therapy selection based on pharmacodynamics and site of infection.

Interpretation of results is carried out according to international standards EUCAST and CLSI, ensuring high accuracy and clinical relevance.

In the case of a positive result, self-treatment is not recommended. The final decision on therapy should be made by a physician – an ophthalmologist or infectious disease specialist – taking into account the clinical picture, comorbidities, and laboratory data.

• Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the eyes and eyelids (conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, corneal ulcerations).
• If symptoms persist after standard treatment or frequently recur.
• For patients with weakened immunity or diabetes mellitus.
• For patients at high risk of ocular infection (contact lenses, trauma, eye burns, surgical intervention).
• During preoperative preparation for ophthalmic surgery.
• To select therapy and monitor treatment effectiveness.
• For newborns with suspected eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Various types of biological material depending on the test

Medical manipulation. Bring in material in a tube with the transport medium 'Amies'.