Microbiological profile of ocular prosthesis wearers and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics and hygiene habits.

• Grant number: 22/16339-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Cláudia Helena Lovato da Silva
• Grantee: Lara Lise de Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The main objective of rehabilitation of the anophthalmic socket with ocular prosthesis is to restore aesthetics, eyelid function, protection of the anophthalmic cavity and self-esteem to the patient. However, these benefits are sometimes overcome by the appearance of some discomfort symptoms that may be related to the microbiota, which may be temporary or last for long periods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the microbiological profile of prostheses, anophthalmic cavities, nasal cavity and hands of individuals with ocular prosthesis, relating it to sociodemographic data, hygiene habits and complaints related to discomfort. This is an exploratory, descriptive, observational clinical study. Individuals over 18 years of age, users of ocular prosthesis after evisceration or enucleation of the eyeball who met the inclusion criteria, will be invited to participate and after reading and signing the Informed Consent Form (CAAE: 51344421.8.0000.5419) will be included in the study. Sociodemographic data, hygiene habits and complaints related to discomfort will be collected through a guided interview with the participant, through specific questionnaires. Samples for microbiological analysis of the anophthalmic cavity and prosthesis, nasal cavity, and hands will be collected using cytology brushes and swab. The samples will be seeded in a specific culture medium for the isolation and growth of total aerobic bacteria, Candida spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Gram-negative bacteria. After the incubation periods of the plates, the microbial load will be evaluated by counting colony forming units (CFU). The data will be analyzed and correlated through appropriate correlation tests, with the aid of the SPSS 21.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with a significance level of 5%.