EFFICACY OF ANTIBIOTICS IN THE TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that affects people of all ages. Although it often resolves spontaneously, antibiotics are prescribed to accelerate recovery and prevent complications. This review evaluates the efficacy of antibiotic treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis, focusing on clinical and microbiological outcomes.

Methods: A literature review was conducted, including randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews on the efficacy of antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis. Data were extracted on study design, population characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcomes. The included studies were critically evaluated for methodological quality and risk of bias.

Results: The review included 11 studies that provided evidence on the efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Spontaneous resolution occurred in many cases without treatment. However, topical antibiotics showed significant improvement in early clinical and microbiological remission rates, particularly in children, by reducing symptom duration and improving remission rates. The accelerated recovery with antibiotics necessitates careful prescription practices due to the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusions: Antibiotics play an important role in managing bacterial conjunctivitis, especially for the rapid resolution of symptoms. However, the high rate of spontaneous resolution and the risk of antimicrobial resistance suggest that antibiotics should be reserved for confirmed cases of bacterial infection or persistent symptoms. Future research should focus on standardizing diagnostic criteria, assessing long-term outcomes, and developing strategies to mitigate resistance.