ABSTRACT
This study included 180 children [60 as healthy control group and 120 as study group]. In this study the incidence of acute bacterial conjunctivitis was higher in children living in rural areas [66.7%] than in those living in urban areas [33.3%]. In the study group, the results revealed variable pathogenic organisms of different percentages including Streptococcus aureus [44.1%], Haemophilus influenzae [25%], Streptococcus pneumoniae [22.5%], Diphtheroids [8.5%], Moraxella catarrhalis [3.4%], Streptococcus pyogenes [2.5%], and Peptostreptococcus [2.5%]. Mixed cultures were obtained in 8.5%. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was higher in children at school age than children at preschool age. Haemophilus influenzae was the commonest organism in children at preschool age. The commonest bacterial flora found in the conjunctiva were Staphylococcus epidermidis and viridans streptocci. Factors influencing the prevalence of microbiologic agents in patients with conjunctivitis include geographic location, season, age and associated concurrent illness. There was some degree of seasonal variations as regards Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antibiotic showed the high susceptibility of most of the organism to the used fluoroquinolones and chloramphenicol