The association between ocular and nasal bacterial communities in a dry eye population
Ms Azadeh Tavakoli1,2, Professor Eric Papas1, Associate Professor Maria Markoulli1, Associate Professor Judith Flanagan1
1University Of New South Wales School of Optometry & Vision Science
2Brien Holden Vision Institute
Introduction: The mucosal associated lymphoid system of the lacrimal gland, conjunctiva and lacrimal drainage system comprise an anatomical and functional unit for immune protection of the ocular surface. It is suggested that bacteria can travel throughout this system and influence ocular surface immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the ocular and nasal bacterial communities and estimate the similarity between them.
Methods: Ocular and nasal swabs were collected from the bulbar conjunctiva and nasal cavity of twenty-five patients with dry eye disease. The number, type and frequency of bacteria was assessed. Bacterial identification was conducted by using VITEK identification cards for five nasal and ocular samples.
Results: 25 different species were found in both ocular and nasal swabs. The most frequent species were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis with 13% frequency. Out of 32 different bacteria isolated (based on morphology, gram staining, catalase, and coagulase testing) across both sites, 8 were only in the eye, 15 only in the nose and 9 (28%) were common to both. The mean CFU/Swab for ocular and nasal swabs were 37± 107 and 5187± 11820 with medians of 5 and 450, respectively.
Conclusion: Although the nasal cavity harbors higher bacterial loads and diversities, the similarity found in this study could help to better understand the ocular surface and nasal cavity bacterial communities. This further can benefit to prevent cross-infection and efficient management of ocular infection.
Biography:
Azadeh is a PhD candidate. Her research interests are to characterise the impact of commensal human bacteria on the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases. Her study aims to look at the effect of oral supplements (Probiotics and Prebiotics) on the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Before commencing her education at the UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science, she worked as an Optometrist