Ocular Microbial Flora and Diabetes in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

Corresponding Author:
Yousof Taghavi Tabrizi,
Medical School, Khalij Fars Blvd.,
Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran.
E-mail: drtaghavi14@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Diabetes, having an impact on the immune system, will cause changes in the microbial flora of different organs. The aim of this study was to compare the ocular microbial flora of diabetic and non-diabetic patients as candidates for cataract surgery.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 380 diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery were selected by convenience sampling method. After informed consent, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA₁c were measured. Then, microbial culture of the conjunctiva was performed before surgery. Data were analyzed by independent T-test and fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Frequency of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive in diabetic/non-diabetic patients was 0/6. The difference was significant (p=0.030). In addition, the frequency of funguses in diabetic/non-diabetic patients was 17/1 (p<0.001). Klebsiella, Staphylococcus coagulase-negative and Staphylococcus epidermidis in diabetic patients were higher than non-diabetics (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that, the rate of Klebsiella, Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Fungal species in conjunctival of diabetic patients was higher than non-diabetic. Therefore, ophthalmologists need to consider the immunology points in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.

KEY WORDS

Bacterial Infection, Conjunctivitis, Diabetes, Cataract