MICROBIAL KERATITIS: Profile of pathogens isolated in a tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka

Raksha K; Shrikala Baliga; Suchitra Shenoy

Volume : VIII, Issue : I, January - 2019

MICROBIAL KERATITIS: Profile of pathogens isolated in a tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka

Raksha K, Shrikala Baliga, Suchitra Shenoy

Abstract :

Introduction: Microbial keratitis is an important cause of visual disability and blindness caused by a variety of microorganisms.

Objectives: To identify the pathogens associated and the risk factors for microbial keratitis in our region.

Materials and Methods: 106 patients with suspected microbial keratitis during January 2012– January 2013 were examined by slit lamp microscopy and corneal scrapings were evaluated in our laboratory. Growth on the media was identified by standard procedures and all bacterial isolates were tested for susceptibility to antibiotics based on standard guidelines where appropriate

Results: 68.86 % of the samples were from males and 31.14 % from females. 50 % of them belonged to the age group of 15–40 years. 45.28% had ocular trauma. 63.20 % of patients were taking topical medications before undergoing a laboratory investigation. 18.86 % of samples yielded growth on culture. The pathogen profile (n=25) was Fusarium spp (7), Aspergillus spp (6), Curvularia spp (1), unidentified septate fungi (4), Microsporidia (5), Staphylococus aureus (1) and Streptocoocus pneumoniae (1)

Conclusion: A higher incidence of fungal keratitis was seen during our study period. Ocular injuries, exposure to dust and vegetative matter, diabetes mellitus were important risk factors. High usage of topical medications before laboratory evaluation is a possible cause which hinders isolation and identification of the pathogen. Microbiological investigations are but necessary for rapid presumptive diagnosis and to guide in the initiation of correct treatment.