Bacterial Microbiota of Canine Corneal Ulcers Treated with Tilapia Skin Graft: Implications for Postoperative Ocular Safety

Corneal ulcers in dogs are frequently associated with microbial contamination, which may compromise healing and lead to severe ocular complications. The use of tilapia skin as a biotechnological graft has emerged as a promising alternative for corneal repair; however, its influence on the ocular microbiota remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial microbiota of canine corneal ulcers treated with tilapia skin graft, focusing on the presence and evolution of microorganisms during the surgical and postoperative periods. Microbiological samples were collected from dogs presenting deep corneal ulcers or perforations, using sterile swabs applied to both central and peripheral regions of the lesion. Samples were transferred to Stuart transport medium and subjected to standard microbiological analysis. Initial cultures revealed the presence of clinically relevant bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp., commonly associated with ocular infections. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated a notable reduction in bacterial growth, with no detectable microbial proliferation after 20 days of treatment under topical antibiotic therapy. These findings suggest that the use of tilapia skin graft does not promote microbial persistence and may be associated with a favorable microbiological environment during the healing process. This study highlights the importance of monitoring ocular microbiota in corneal repair procedures and supports the safety of tilapia skin as a biotechnological material in veterinary ophthalmology. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings and explore long-term microbiological dynamics.