Efficacy of gatifloxacin in acute bacterial corneal ulcer

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in infective corneal ulcer. Methods: This observational (non comparative) clinical analysis was done at the Department of ophthalmology unit-II, Liaquat University Eye hospital Hyderabad of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro / Sindh, Pakistan from April 2010 to March 2012. All the subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were registered. Anterior segment examination was performed. Corneal staining and sensitivity test was done to exclude viral and paralytic element. Corneal samples were collected for gram’s staining and culture sensitivity tests. After getting the preliminary laboratory results, Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution was used in bacterial corneal ulcer every 30 minutes for first twenty four hours, and every one hour till three days. On obtaining better response the drops were used every two hours up to 7 days. The treatment was continued with tapering of dosage for three weeks. After total recovery (reepithelialization of corneal epithelium) the drops were used two times a day for one more week. Results: The total of 170 patients (male=68.8%; female=31.2%) were recruited. Culture sensitivity examination revealed staphylococcus (36.5%), followed by fungi (24.1%). Pseudomonas thus detected were 10%. Gatifloxacin showed highest sensitivity and lowest resistance i.e. 87.65% and 12.35% respectively against gram positive and gram negative isolates. Conclusion: Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution due to its strong activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative microbes is strongly effective in the treatment of acute bacterial keratitis.