2002 Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group, Abstract 14

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Broth Based Culture Systems For The Isolation of Acid Fast Mycobacterium Causing Ocular Infections
D. Ritterband, M. Shah, A. Terraciano, A. Dingley, J. Pelletier, T. Raviv, J. Seedor. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York.

Purpose: To determine the optimum media for the diagnosis of Acid Fast Mycobacteria in an ocular setting.

Methods: A retrospective review of the microbiologic and clinical record at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary found 6 cases of Mycobacterium ocular infection from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2002. 3 cases of subacute keratitis following LASIK, 1 case of
chronic corneal ulceration, and 2 cases of endophthalmitis were reported. All patients were cultured on egg-based media (Lowenstein-Jensen medium), broth based media (Middlebrook 7H-9 broth), and had AFB smears. Mycobacteria speciation and culture positivity was confirmed by the New York City Health Department Laboratory employing fatty acid chromatography or nucleic acid sequencing and/or amplification. The time period from culture to positive growth was also recorded.

Results: 3 of 6 smears were positive for acid fast mycobacteria. 4 of 6 cultures were positive in the Lowenstein-Jensen agar. All 6 cases demonstrated growth in the Middlebrook 7H-9 broth. The average time to growth in the Lowenstein Jensen medium was 18 days. The average time to growth in the Middlebrook 7H-9 broth was 8 days.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that the addition of a broth based media such as Middlebrook 7H-9 to our culture regimen for AFB increases sensitivity and reduces time to identification.

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