MICROBIAL PROFILE OF ULCERATIVE KERATITIS AT TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Keratitis is the term applied for inammations of the cornea. Ulcerative keratitis is a common potentially sight threatening ocular infection that may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Corneal ulcer is an ocular emergency that requires prompt management to ensure the best visual outcome for the patient. Otherwise, it can result in scarring and blindness. Aim and objectives: To study Microbial causes and to identify risk factors, and corelation of clinical features of ulcerative keratitis with etiological agents Materials and methods: Total 325 corneal ulcer cases were studied. Corneal scrapings were collected and subjected for examination by Gram's stain, 10% KOH, bacterial and fungal culture. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial pathogens was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines with various groups of antibiotics. MIC for vancomycin were determined for study isolates by Epsilometer test. Results: Totally 325 infectious corneal ulcers were studied in detail. Aetiological agents were isolated in 115 (35.38%) cases. Majority of the isolates were fungal agents (44.18%), belonging to the Aspergillus (21.05%), Fusarium (14.47%). Bacterial corneal ulcer was less common (25.49%). The predominant bacterial pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. no Acanthamoeba were identied. The sensitivity of potassium hydroxide staining was almost 100% in culture-proven fungal cases. Trauma is the leading cause for the corneal ulcers. Majority of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to amikacin. Conclusion: Ulcerative keratitis being a sight threatening disorder, early suspicion, rational use of laboratory diagnostic procedures, identication of the causative organisms and timely institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on the prevailing sensitivity pattern of the isolates could save the eye from this preventable cause of blindness