ETIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MICROBIAL KERATITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN GUJARAT

Abstract

Introduction: Blindness is a major public health problem worldwide, and infectious keratitis is one of the predominant causes. Ulcerative keratitis due to infection with a wide range of organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or protozoa has been reported. Bacterial and mycological keratitis typically occurs in persons having some associated factors.

Objectives: To analyze etiology and associated factors associated with microbial keratitis

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the C. U. Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar, Gujarat. Total 100 samples from patients with corneal ulcers were studied during the month of December 2010 to October 2011. Swabs and scrapping from the corneal ulcer were collected aseptically. Staining and culture were performed as per standard guidelines. Bacterial and fungal species were isolated as per standard microbiological guidelines.

Results: Out of 100 samples, in 14 (14.00%) samples fungal species were isolated and in 13 (13.00%) samples bacteria were isolated. Among 14 fungus isolates, 8 (29.63%) were Aspergillus flavus and 6 (22.22%) were Aspergillus niger. Among 13 bacterial isolates 7 (25.93%) were Pseudomonas species, 3 (11.11%) were Staphylococcus aureus and 3 (11.11%) were Coagulase negative staphylococci. Common associated factors were injury (44.45%), diabetes mellitus (29.63%), contact lens usage (14.82 %) and corticosteroid treatment (03.70%).

Conclusions: Prevalence of mycological keratitis is 14.00% and bacterial keratitis is 13.00%. Common associated factors observed were injury, diabetes mellitus and contact lens usage.