Epidemiologic characteristics, predisposing risk factors, and etiologic diagnosis of corneal ulceration in Belagavi

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the factors predisposing to the onset of corneal ulceration and to identify the specific causative organisms. Materials and Methods: This was a 1-year cross-sectional study. Fifty patients with infectious keratitis were included in the study. A detailed history with documenting his/her sociodemographic information, presenting complaints, previous treatment, predisposing ocular conditions, and associated risk factors was noted, followed by slit lamp biomicroscopy and scraping for staining and culture analysis. Results: Bacterial infections were noted more commonly (28%) than fungal infections (12%) with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus accounting for the majority of bacterial ulcers (68.75%), and Fusarium species and Aspergillus species were equally (50% each) responsible for most of the fungal infections. The most common predisposing risk factor is ocular trauma (74%). Conclusion: Comprehensive surveys are necessary to assess the specific epidemiological characteristics of corneal ulceration, which are unique for each region and population. It in turn helps to define the magnitude of the problem and design efficient public health programs for its management.