CCMB-LVPEI study flags high drug resistance in eye infection bacteria
HYDERABAD: A collaborative study by researchers from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and LV Prasad Eye Institute has reported high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria causing eye infections, raising concerns over current treatment practices.
The study, published in Communications Biology, is among the most comprehensive genomic analyses of ocular pathogens from India. It was led by Karthik Bharadwaj, Divya Tej Sowpati, and Joveeta Joseph.
Over 45% bacterial isolates show multidrug resistance
Researchers analysed patient-derived bacterial samples using genomic and microbiological methods. More than 45% of isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant, spanning both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.
The study identified vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae in eye infections.
“These findings are worrying because they can spread their AMR genes to other bacteria too. Also, these pathogens can infect other parts of our bodies,” Bharadwaj said.
Whole genome sequencing also revealed new resistance mechanisms and mutations.
Empirical antibiotic therapy faces growing challenges
The findings question the continued reliance on empirical therapy, where treatment begins before lab confirmation. Clinicians typically prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics and later adjust based on test results.
The study found resistance to fluoroquinolones a commonly used antibiotic class across all examined eye pathogens.
“This highlights the importance of microbiology-guided diagnosis and treatment, particularly in severe infections such as microbial keratitis and endophthalmitis,” Joseph said.
Study stresses need for surveillance and revised guidelines
The researchers emphasised that clinicians and scientists must work together using real patient samples to tackle AMR effectively.
“To understand and solve a problem like AMR, it is essential for clinicians and scientists to come together,” said Vinay K Nandicoori, Director, CCMB.
The study also positions eye infections as indicators of broader environmental antimicrobial resistance trends.
“Eye infections are not isolated events. This study positions the eye as a valuable site for AMR surveillance in the environment,” said Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, LVPEI.
