Microbial Analysis of Donor Corneoscleral Rims and Storage Media

ABSTRACT

Purpose: We aim to investigate bacterial and fungal cultures of hypothermic donor corneal storage media (Optisol-GS) and donor rims.

Methods: All corneal transplants performed from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 by a single surgeon at a single facility were retrospectively reviewed. Aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal cultures were routinely obtained from all donor rims and cornea storage media. Culture results and clinical courses were recorded.

Results: Eighty-four corneal transplants were performed. Five of 84 grafts (5.95%) had positive bacteria donor rim cultures. Fungal donor rim cultures were positive in 5/84 grafts (5.95%) of which two grew Candida spp. Storage media bacterial cultures were positive in 2/84 (2.4%) cultures. Storage media fungal cultures were positive in 1/84 (1.2%) cultures. No patients developed any evidence of clinical infection.

Conclusions: Given the increasing rates of postkeratoplasty fungal infections, the identification of positive fungal cultures from donor rims and storage media warrants further evaluation of adding antifungals to storage media.

Keywords:

• Fungal infections
• keratoplasty
• microbiology
• storage media

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

Michael Zegans was given a named scholar position which was endowed by Francis A. L'Esperance, Jr., MD.