Objective: The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates found in cases of dacryocystitis. Materials and Methods: Prospective study of 60 patients with dacryocystitis attending OPD services of Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University from October 2018 to September 2019. Results: Samples were collected from 60 patients presenting with acute and chronic dacryocystitis. In 20 (1 bilateral) acute and 40 (8 bilateral) chronic cases, growth was seen in 36% and 45% respectively of which gram positive cocci were 34.61% and gram negative bacilli were 65%. The most common isolates were Pseudomonas (38%), Staphylococcus (35%), E. coli (19%) and Acenetobacter (7%). No anaerobic bacteria were isolated. Gram negative organisms were sensitive to Amikacin (54.5%), Ceftriaxone (36.3%), Ciprofloxain (54.5%), Gentamicin (100%), Cefuroxime (36.3%). All S. aureus were sensitive to Gentamicin (100%), Ciprofloxacin (100%), Erythromycin (66.7%), Amikacin (88.9%), Ceftriaxone (17.1%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant change in bacterial flora and antibiotic treatment requirements of prevalent dacryocystitis from previously published data. A higher incidence of gram negative organisms particularly pseudomonas with resistance to antibiotics used commonly. The Emergence of rare highly resistant gram negative organism indicate a trend in lacimal sac infections. These findings suggest that the antibiotic treatment protocol before and after lacimal surgery should be recommended in this subgroup of patients.
