Changing Trends In Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Infective Keratitis: A Three-Year Retrospective Analysis
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP10.05 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/08c4-ep96
Authors: Dr Gaurav Pande* 1 , Dr Yathish Shivanna 1 , Dr Gairik Kundu 1
1Cornea and Refractive Services,Narayana Nethralaya,Bangalore,India
Purpose
To evaluate recent trends in antibiotic susceptibility and resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cases of infective keratitis over a three-year period, and to assess implications for empirical antimicrobial therapy in clinical practice.
Setting
Retrospective observational study performed which included patients diagnosed with culture-positive P. aeruginosa keratitis between March 2023 and March 2026 at a tertiary eye care center.
Methods
Demographic details and risk factors were recorded. Corneal scrapings were processed using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were analyzed based on antibiogram reports, evaluating sensitivity and resistance to commonly administered topical antibiotics.
Results
A total of 120 patients (65 females, 55 males) were included; 45% had a history of contact lens use. P. aeruginosa demonstrated 100% sensitivity to tobramycin and amikacin. Gentamicin and meropenem showed 96.9% sensitivity. The highest resistance was observed with ceftazidime and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (42%), followed by cefepime (27%). Intermediate resistance was notable for aztreonam (36%).
Conclusions
The observed high resistance to ceftazidime suggests a shift in susceptibility trends of P. aeruginosa in infective keratitis. Although aminoglycosides remain highly effective, increasing resistance to selective β-lactam antibiotics underscores the need for routine culture and sensitivity testing. Empirical therapy should be guided by local antibiogram data to ensure optimal clinical outcomes and to curb the progression of antimicrobial resistance.