Comparative Evaluation Of Bactec Culture Using Peds Plus F Broth With Standard Microbiological Methods In Detection Of Microbial Aetiologies In Vitreous Aspirates In Infectious Endophthalmitis

Purpose: Since standard microbiological methods (use of solid media) have low sensitivity to detect aetiological agents in vitreous aspirates in infectious endophthalmitis, a comparative study was undertaken to determine sensitivity of BACTEC Peds Plus F broth for isolation of these aetiological agentsMethods: Four hundred and eighty three consecutive vitreous aspirates from clinically diagnosed infectious endophthalmitis were subjected to culture using standard microbiological media and Bactec culture using Bactec Peds Plus F broth.Results: Of the 483 consecutive vitreous aspirate specimens processed, Peds Plus F broth yielded microbial growth in 150 (31.1 %) specimens as against standard microbiological culture which revealed growth in 81 (16.8 %) specimens indicating a statistically significant (p value =0.005 – Non parametric Chi-square test) increased isolation rate of 14.3 % by Bactec method. Bactec method failed to show growth of infectious agent in 8 vitreous aspirates, though it was noted by standard methods. Thus, among the 158 culture positive specimens, bacterial growth was detected in 132 (83.54%) specimens and fungal growth in 26 (16.46%) specimens. Conclusions: It is recommended that Bactec Peds Plus F broth may routinely be used for culturing the vitreous specimens because of its increased sensitivity and rapidity of growth of the causative agent of infectious endophthalmitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to be reported in Indian literature.