M6 Eye Infections Flashcards
What are the external components of the eye?
External
* Eyelids
* Conjunctiva
* Sclera
* Cornea
What are the internal components of the eye of concern for eye infections?
Internal
* Anterior consists of
aqueous humor
* Posterior contains
vitreous humor
What defense Mechanisms -Physical & biochemical Barriers does the eye have against infection?
- Eye orbit (bony)
- Eyelids (blinking)/eyelashes (prevent entry of “fomites”)
- Secretions (by lacrimal gland & goblet cells) wash away “outsiders”
- Tough collagenous coat (sclera & cornea) covers intraocular
- Lacrimal secretions such as lysozymes and IgA, secreted locally.
What are the mechanisms that cause infection to the eyes?
Eye infections occur by:
1. Broken barriers (injury-ulceration)
2. Via bloodstream (from other sites)
3. Proximity to sinuses, sinus infections can extend
List the various types of eye infections (6).
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) (swelling, exudates, burning &
itching) - Blepharitis (inflammation of edges of eyelids)
- Keratitis (cornea- pain & vision issues)
- Endophthalmitis (infection of aqueous or vitreous fluid, pain, vision issues blindness)
- Periocular (canals & ocular cellulitis)
- Uveitis & retinitis (blood-borne)
- Other
Does the eye have normal flora?
The eye is in theory sterile, these organisms might be there in
small amounts and can come from fomites, air, hands, skin close to the eyes, etc. They are transient as they vary with time.
What does the significance of organisms found in eye specimens depend on?
Significance depends upon knowledge of patient’s existing
flora, clinical symptoms/signs and clinical history
See table on slide 5 for some transient flora and their probability.
What is the most common infection of the eyes?
Conjunctivitis
It may be caused by allergies, bacteria or virus (fungi and
parasites less common).
How does age relate to diagnosis for conjunctivitis?
Age is a very important factor for diagnosis:
1. Neonates: N. gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma)
2. Children: bacterial like H. inf, S. pneumo and S. aureus
3. Adults: mostly viral, self limited but highly contagious.
Elderly can see bacteria infections again.
What other bacteria’s can cause conjunctivitis with distinct clinical pictures?
- Coryne. diphtheria & C. macginleyi
- Treponema pallidum
- Moraxella lacunata
- Yersinia enterocolitica
- TB
What are the results of the gram stain and other characteristics (tests/results) for Moraxella lacunata?
Moraxella lacunata
* gram negative bacilli end-to-end in pairs
* Proteolytic
* Beta-lactamase neg
What are two types of Chlamydial conjunctivitis?
- Blinding trachoma
* transmission via eye discharges - Inclusion trachoma
* transmission via genital tract
What infection is common after trauma to the eye?
Keratitis (corneal infection)
What makes is Keratitis (corneal infection) very serious?
It is considered critical, loss of eye can occur in 24 hours.
What organisms can cause Keratitis (corneal infection)
- Mostly bacterial (65% to 90%):
S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, also gonococcus and Acinetobacter - HSV, fungus (ambient)
- Acanthamoeba spp.