[Bacterial flora of the conjunctival sac of the horse].

The research study investigates the types of bacteria present in the conjunctival sac of a horse’s eye, and identifies various normal and transient bacterial populations found within this niche.

Objective and Methodology

• The focus of the study was to understand the bacterial flora, or microbiota present in the conjunctival sac — a unique microenvironment in the eye — of horses.
• This was a taxonomic research, meaning that it classified and organized the identified bacteria into relevant categories for better understanding.
• The researchers studied 59 horses for this purpose and utilized techniques, presumably microbiology techniques, to identify and delineate the bacterial populations present.

Findings: Normal Bacterial Populations

• Several species of bacteria were identified as being part of the normal bacterial flora. These included Micrococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, St. epidermidis, various species of Moraxella, Bacillus cereus, Neisseria catarrhalis, Streptococcus equi, Str. zooepidemicus, Corynebacterium, and Acinetobacter lwoffi.
• The most prevalent bacteria identified were Micrococcus (found in 49,15% of the samples), Staphylococcus aureus and St. epidermidis (18,64%), and other bacteria populations being present in varying proportions.

Findings: Transient Bacterial Populations

• Transient bacteria species, referring to those that are not usually found in the conjunctival sac but may temporarily be present, identified in the study were Streptomyces, isolated in 10,16% of the controlled subjects, and Aerococcus viridans and Bacillus spp. found in only one equine.

Significance and Conclusion

• The results provided a comprehensive overview of the bacterial populations in the equine conjunctival sac and helps in understanding how the microbiota contributes to eye health in horses.
• It is important to note that the detailed characterization of such microbiota can lend valuable insights for veterinary medicine, particularly for understanding and treating ocular diseases in horses.
• Further research may be necessary to understand the specific roles of these bacterial species and their implications for the health and well-being of horses.