[Conjunctival microbiota in patients with ocular allergy].

Purpose: To evaluate de presence of conjunctival aerobic microbiota in patients with ocular allergy as compared to a control group.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-three patients were evaluated from April to June 2001 and divided into 2 groups. Sixty-three patients with allergic conjunctivitis (without medication) were in group A and 70 patients from the general outpatient clinic were in group B (control group). Samples from the conjunctival sac of the right eye were collected and cultured in solid media (blood, chocolate and Sabouraud agar).

Results: In group A, 30 cultures (47.7%) were positive and 6 (8.6%) in group B. Seven bacteria were isolated from group A and 4 from group B. Statistical analysis revealed significant association between positive cultures and allergic conjunctivitis.

Conclusion: Bacterial microbiota was more frequently found in patients with ocular allergy.