Growth of Gram-negative bacteria in a simulated ocular environment |
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| Authors: | BA Cowell BSc MDP Willcox PhD RP Schneider PhD |
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| Institution: | Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;School of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: Gram-negative bacteria are major pathogens in the ocular environment, especially when contact lenses are worn. The source of many of these organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is thought to be environmental. Methods: A defined medium is described here that resembles both tear fluid and the environment they are derived from. Results: Gram-negative ocular bacteria were found to grow successfully in this medium. Bactericidal tear proteins were added to this medium and pathogenic strains were not only able to resist their effects but were able to use them for growth. Conclusion: Utilizaton of tear proteins for growth may be an important virulence factor of pathogenic bacteria in the ocular environment. |
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| Keywords: | lactoferrin lysozyme Pseudomonas aeruginosa tears |
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