Microbiological profile of orbital cellulitis in a tertiary Hospital in the United Kingdom
Author: Balazs Fazekas
Base Hospital / Institution: Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-534
Purpose
To determine the microbiological profile and in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of surgically-drained orbital abscesses at a tertiary centre in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom.
Methods
A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who underwent drainage of orbital collections between October 2016 and February 2025 at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. Patient demographics, clinical features, imaging reports, microbiological cultures and antimicrobial sensitivities were determined from electronic patient records and subsequently analysed.
Results
In total, cultures from 34 patients with surgically-treated orbital cellulitis were included after exclusions. Patient age ranged from 6 months to 77 years old, with a mean age of 15.8 years. 16/34 (47%) patients were male. Culture positivity was obtained in 21/34 (61.8%) orbital pus specimens. Based on culture data, 16/21 (76.2%) had monomicrobial infections and 5/21 (23.8%) had polymicrobial infections. Streptococcus milleri species grew in cultures from 8 patients (8/34, 23.5%), Streptococcus pyogenes in 6 (17.6%), Haemophilus influenza in 2 (5.9%), Staphylococcus aureus in 2 (5.9%), Staphylococcus epidermidis in 2 (5.9%), Prevotella spp. in 2 (5.9%), Fusobacterium nucleatum in 2 (5.9%), unspecified anaerobic organisms in 2 (5.9%). Propionibacterium spp. in 1 (2.9%), Enterococcus spp. in 1 (2.9%), Streptococcus pneumonia in 1 (2.9%). Most cultured organisms were sensitive to Penicillin-based antibiotics and macrolide antibiotics.
Conclusion
In our cohort, the most common organisms grown in orbital cellulitis pus specimens were Gram-positive streptococci, which were sensitive to Peniciilin. Empirical antibiotic therapy should target Gram-positive organisms. Periodic surveillance of common pathogens causing orbital cellulitis and their antibiotic sensitivities is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Mohamed | Morgan | Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham |
| Katya | Tambe | Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham |
| Malik | Moledina | Queen Victoria, East Grinstead |
