[Management of postoperative endophthalmitis epidemics in tropical areas. Report of 24 cases seen at the Tropical Ophthalmology Institute of Africa].
An epidemic of postoperative endophthalmitis occurred at the Tropical Ophthalmology Institute of Africa in September 1994. Due to the seriousness of this outbreak, a survey was undertaken to diagnose cases, trace the origin of contamination within the facilities and staff, and screen for the organism in patients with or without endophthalmitis. A total of 24 cases of endophthalmitis following 118 procedures involving the eyeball were found. There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of endophthalmitis and sex, age, type of surgery, surgeon, surgical assistant, operating room staff, postoperative complications, operating room, care providers, or type of hospitalisation. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of endophthalmitis and the presence of secretions on the first bandage. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 16 cases and in one patient hospitalized for an ulcer of the cornea. Staphylococcus aureus contamination was found in two fluids used for eye washing. We conclude that the probable cause of this epidemic was nosocomial infection and emphasize the importance of maintaining basic sterility measures despite the need to minimize costs in developing countries.
Huguet
P
P
L'Institut d'Ophtalmologie Tropicale de l'Afrique, Bamako, Mali.
Boulais
C
C
Auzemery
A
A
Schemann
J F
JF
Malle
M
M
D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008302:Mali; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014329:Tropical Climate