MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH KERATITIS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Infectious keratitis, Microbiological profile, Corneal ulcer, Corneal scraping, Bacterial keratitis, Fungal keratitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium, Bidar
Abstract
Background: Infectious keratitis is an important cause of corneal morbidity and visual impairment. Microbiological evaluation helps identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Aim: To study the microbiological profile and associated risk factors among patients presenting with keratitis at VEH, Bidar.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, VEH, Bidar, from February 2024 to July 2024. A total of 100 patients with clinically suspected infectious keratitis were included. Corneal scrapings were subjected to direct microscopy and microbiological culture.
Results: Among 100 patients, 62 (62%) were males and 38 (38%) were females. The most commonly affected age group was 41–60 years. Ocular trauma was the most frequent predisposing factor. Microbiological examination was positive in 68 (68%) patients: bacterial organisms in 38 (38%), fungal organisms in 26 (26%), and mixed bacterial-fungal infection in 4 (4%). Thirty-two (32%) were culture negative. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest bacterial isolate and Fusarium the commonest fungal isolate.
Conclusion: Infectious keratitis is an important ocular problem among patients attending VEH, Bidar. Corneal scraping and microbiological examination are valuable for identifying causative organisms and guiding treatment.
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