Effects of trauma and infection on ciprofloxacin levels in the vitreous cavity

This study was designed to determine the effects of trauma and infection on vitreous ciprofloxacin levels after intravitreal injection of ciprofloxacin in rabbits. A penetrating injury was made in the right eyes of 24 rabbits. In the eyes of half of the traumatized animals, a standardized intraocular infection was induced by intravitreal injection of a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus. The intact left eyes of the traumatized group were maintained as controls. Ciprofloxacin (200 microg/0.1 mL) was injected into the midvitreous cavity of both eyes in all animals and samples were obtained at 2, 8, 24, and 48 hours after injection. Drug concentrations were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. At the second hour, the mean vitreous concentration of ciprofloxacin in the traumatized eyes was lower than that in control eyes (P