In vitro susceptibility to fusidic acid of clinically significant staphylococcal isolates from ocular infections

A total of 163 staphylococcus isolates from ocular infections were tested for in vitro susceptibility to fusidic acid using the modified Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion method. Susceptibility was demonstrated by 159 [98%] of the isolates and 84 [95%] of the 88S. epidermidis isolates and all [100%] of both the 70 S. aureus and other staphylococcus species. Fifty of the isolates was found to be methicillin-resistant, but of these 48 [96%] were susceptible to fusidic acid. Forty isolates were resistant to multiple [>/= 5] antibiotics with 37 [93%] of these showing susceptibility to fusidic acid. No remarkable differences were seen when the susceptibility patterns of the isolates were compared by site of infection

Microbial content of kohl

Three brands of commercially prepared kohl imported from India were tested and were found to vary widely in microbial content. Heavy contamination, primarily with Bacillus species, Gram-negative bacilli, and a number of fungi, was present in one brand. Moderate contamination was found in the second brand, primarily due to Bacillus species and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The third brand tested contained no microorganisms. Because of the presence of opportunistic organisms in kohl, its use-either cosmetic or medical-is not recommended in eyes with diseases that affect the ocular surface. Its use in newborn infants should also be discouraged