Abstract:
Background and objectives:
To determine the microorganisms causing corneal ulcer as analyzed by clinical
examination and laboratory diagnosis.
Methods:
A prospective study was carried out on all the patients presenting to the
outpatient clinics in the Department of Ophthalmology in Shri B M Patil Medical
College and research centre during the period October 2013 to April 2015.After
diagnosing infective keratitis clinically, corneal scrapings, staining and cultures were
performed along with routine laboratory investigations.
Results:
Over 18 month’s period, 50 patients with infective keratitis were evaluated.
Out of which 25 (50%) cases were of fungal etiology, 7 (25%) were bacterial. Corneal
ulceration is a common problem in this part of Karnataka and most often occurs after
a superficial corneal injury with organic material. Males were affected more than
females and 41-65 age group was affected more. Among laboratory investigations
gram stain, Blood and chocolate agar were found to be highly sensitive in identifying
bacteria. KOH and SDA were found to be highly sensitive in detecting fungal
elements.
Conclusion:
This study was developed primarily to determine the clinical features, specific
pathogens responsible for corneal ulceration in Vijayapur, Karnataka. In this study
majority of the cases were Fungal keratitis (50%), followed by bacterial.
Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus accounted for majority of
bacterial ulcers and Fusarium and Aspergillus species were responsible for most of
xi
fungal infections. These findings have important public health importance for the
treatment, rapid referral, diagnosis, and prevention of corneal ulceration in the
developing world
