Platinum spatula versus Mini-tip Culturette® in culturing bacterial keratitis in rabbits

K. D. Epley*, H. R. Katz, I. Herling, J. B. Lasky

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose. To compare the traditional method of culturing bacterial keratitis (platinum spatula) to the use of a commercially available Mini-tip Culturette® (Becton-Dickinson, Cockeysville, MD). Methods. Corneal ulcers were induced in 20 rabbit eyes by intrastromal injection of 0.1 ml TSI broth containing either 1.0 × 107 organisms Staphylococcus epidermidis (10 eyes) or 1.0 × 102 organisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC strain 27853 (10 eyes). After 48 hours, each ulcer was cultured with the platinum spatula, a dry Mini-tip Culturette®, and a moistened Mini-tip Culturette® in separate locations. Cultures taken with the platinum spatula were directly plated onto blood agar. Cultures taken with the Mini-tip Culturette® were transferred to the laboratory in the culturette, then plated onto blood agar. The corneas were microhomogenized, plated out on blood agar, and colony counts were performed. Results. 100% of corneas had established infections by colony count. Each ulcer was culture positive with platinum spatula, wet Mini-tip Culturette®, and dry Mini-tip Culturette®. Conclusion. The Mini-tip Culturette® appears to be equally effective to the platinum spatula in culturing S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa in a rabbit model of bacterial keratitis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume37
Issue number3
StatePublished - Feb 15 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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