Chronic atopic conjunctivitis is essentially a perennial inflammatory reaction. There are a number of ways, both immunological and non-immunological, in which micro-organisms can cause degranulation of the mast cells which leads to an exacerbation of the atopic reaction. As in such cases often only a small number of bacteria are isolated, their potential pathogenic role in such exacerbations can easily be overlooked. Therefore, in cases of an unexplained inreased inflammatory reaction in chronic atopic conjunctivitis, it is advisable to institute a short term antibiotic regimen, preferable with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Gentamicin.
Bacteria ; Conjunctivitis, Allergic ; Gentamicins ; Hypersensitivity* ; Mast Cells

Chronic atopic conjunctivitis is essentially a perennial inflammatory reaction. There are a number of ways, both immunological and non-immunological, in which micro-organisms can cause degranulation of the mast cells which leads to an exacerbation of the atopic reaction. As in such cases often only a small number of bacteria are isolated, their potential pathogenic role in such exacerbations can easily be overlooked. Therefore, in cases of an unexplained inreased inflammatory reaction in chronic atopic conjunctivitis, it is advisable to institute a short term antibiotic regimen, preferable with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Gentamicin.
Bacteria ; Conjunctivitis, Allergic ; Gentamicins ; Hypersensitivity* ; Mast Cells