Long-term outcomes of therapeutic corneal transplants performed in a tertiary eye care hospital in South India

Purpose: This study aimed to review the demographics, clinical characteristics, and long?term outcomes of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) performed in a tertiary eye care hospital. Methods: Case records of 149 therapeutic transplants (135 patients) that were performed during the calendar year 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, and outcomes were measured until 3 years of follow?up. Information on demographics, presentation characteristics, keratoplasty indications, offending microbe, and secondary surgical interventions was studied. The final outcome was classified in terms of therapeutic, anatomical, and functional outcomes. Results: The median age of the recipients was 55 years with 61% men. The most common indications for TPK were perforated infectious ulcer (45.9%), nonhealing ulcers (29.9%), and graft infections (17.4%). Fungal etiology was noted in 61.2% and bacterial etiology in 17.4% of the eyes. Therapeutic success was achieved in 130 eyes (89%) at the end of 1 month. Anatomical success was achieved in 130 (98.5%) and 88 patients (86.3%) at the end of 1 and 6 months, respectively. At the 6?month time point, 78 patients (76.5%) attained functional success with vision better than light perception. Three?year follow?up data were available for 23.7% of recipients, of which only 12 patients (37.5%) retained a clear graft either after a primary therapeutic or secondary optical keratoplasty. Conclusion: Therapeutic keratoplasty is highly effective in eradicating infection and providing anatomical integrity. However, timely intervention can aid in achieving the best functional outcome.

Microbial keratitis and antibiotic sensitivity patterns: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary center in Central India

Purpose: To report on the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of infectious keratitis at a tertiary center in central India. Methods: The suspected case of severe keratitis underwent microbiological culture and identification using the VITEK 2 technique. Antibiotic susceptibility for different sensitivity and resistance patterns was analyzed. Demographics, clinical profile, and socioeconomic history was also documented. Results: Culture was positive in 233/455 (51.2%) patients. Pure bacterial growth was present in 83 (35.62%) patients and pure fungus was present in 146 (62.66%) patients. The most common bacterial cause of infectious keratitis was Pseudomonas followed by Staphylococcus and Bacillus. Pseudomonas showed 65%–75% resistance against levofloxacin, ceftazidime, imipenem, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Staphylococcus showed 65%–70% resistance against levofloxacin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin, with Streptococcus being 100% resistant to erythromycin. Conclusion: This study highlights the current trend of microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis and their antibiotic susceptibility at a rural setup in central India. Fungal predominance and increased resistance against the commonly used antibiotics were noted.

Guidelines for the application of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of anterior segment diseases(2023) / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

This paper aims to delve deeply into the practical guidelines for the application of artificial intelligence(AI)in the diagnosis of anterior ocular diseases in ophthalmology. Given the complexities and variability inherent in the images associated with the research of anterior segment diseases, AI has traditionally found its principal application in the sphere of posterior segment diseases within ophthalmology. However, with the evolution and advancement of AI technologies, notably machine learning and deep learning, alongside an exponential surge in anterior segment electronic image data, the implementation of AI in the domain of corneal, conjunctival, lens, and eyelid disease is not only feasible but has become a reality. The Ophthalmic Imaging and Intelligent Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Education Association, in tandem with the Ophthalmology Professional Committee of the International Translational Medicine Association, have orchestrated a consortium of experts. These specialists have synthesized the most recent progressions, both nationally and internationally, in the application of AI in the diagnosis of anterior ocular diseases. This includes its use in corneal, conjunctival, lens, and eyelid diseases, and provides an analysis of the current challenges faced as well as the future directions of development. This guideline has been formulated through several iterations of thoughtful discussion and revisions. Its purpose is to empower clinical ophthalmologists with a reliable framework to facilitate the enhanced application of AI in diagnostic decision-making and clinical research for anterior ocular diseases.

Complications in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty – A retrospective interventional analysis in a large series

Purpose: To analyze the complications in patients managed with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for diseases of the anterior corneal stroma. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent DALK in a tertiary care center in South India from 2010 to 2020. A total of 474 eyes in 373 patients were included in the study. Patients who underwent DALK for advanced keratoconus, keratoconus with Bowman’s membrane scar, healed hydrops, macular corneal opacity, macular corneal dystrophy, granular corneal dystrophy, spheroidal degeneration, pellucid marginal degeneration, post– laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis ectasia, descematocele, post?collagen cross?linking aborted melt and dense scar, and post?radial keratotomy were included in the study. The patients were followed up for 17.2 +/? 9.2 months (1–9 years). Results: Complications noted in the surgery were intra?operatively Descemet’s membrane perforation in 31 eyes (6.54%), post?operatively secondary glaucoma in 16 eyes (3.37%), cataract in seven eyes (1.47%), suture?related complications in five eyes (1.05%), graft rejection in three eyes (0.63%), traumatic dehiscence in two eyes (0.42%), filamentary keratitis in two eyes (0.42%), interface infiltrate in one eye (0.21%), and recurrence of disease in four eyes (7.14%) out of 57 eyes with corneal dystrophy. Conclusion: DALK as an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for anterior corneal stromal diseases. It has become an automatic choice for diseases of the anterior cornea requiring keratoplasty. Complications can occur at any stage of surgery; however, if identified and managed early, they can result in optimal outcome

Queratitis por Mycobaterium abscessus: comunicación del primer caso en Paraguay / Keratitis due to Mycobaterium abscessus: first case report in Paraguay

Resumen Se presenta un caso clínico de queratitis por Mycobacterium abscessus en una mujer de 76 años, residente en la ciudad de Asunción, sin traumatismo ni cirugía ocular previa y con antecedente de una queratouveitis herpética. Por tratarse de una queratitis causada por un agente etiológico poco frecuente y por la importancia de un diagnóstico correcto y oportuno para la instauración del tratamiento adecuado, se comunica el primer caso de queratitis por micobacterias en Paraguay.

Abstract We present a clinical case of keratitis caused by M. abscessus in a 76-year-old female patient, resident in the city of Asunción, without trauma or previous ocular surgery and with a history of herpetic keratouveitis. Because it is a keratitis caused by a rare etiological agent and because of the importance of a correct and timely diagnosis for the establishment of appropriate treatment, the present case is reported, the first of Mycobacteria keratitis in Paraguay.

Evaluation Of Therapeutic Modalities And Outcome In Patients Of Infectious Keratitis: A Prospective Observational Study At A Tertiary Care Eye Hospital

Background:Among corneal diseases, microbial keratitis is a major blinding disease.Objectives: To study the disease pattern and aetiology, to evaluate drug use pattern and the therapeutic outcome in Infectious Keratitis patients.Material And Methods:Prospective observational follow up study was carried out for 16 weeks. IEC permission and Written Informed Consent fr om the patients were taken before hand. Patients above 18 years of age and of either gender presenting to Outpatient department of Ophthalmology and diagnosed with Infectious Keratitis were included in the study. Patient's demographic details, diagnosis and the complete prescription were recorded in a case record form.Result:A total of 150 patients wereenrolled. Infectious Keratitis was prevalent in age group of 61–70 years (39.33%). Bacterial keratitis (52%) was the most common type followed by fungal (42%) and Viral keratitis (5%). A total of 17(11.33%) patients needed surgical intervention. At the last follow up 61(40.66%) patients had improved vision. There was a significant statistical difference found between age groups of <65 years and >65years for keratitis outcome. Improvement in vision (p=0.0264) & slit lamp findings (p=0.0148) were seen in younger age group.Conclusion:Bacterial keratitis was the most common cause of Infectious keratitis. Trauma was the commonest factor found majority of cases. Younger age group had better visual outcome.

The treatment outcome оf the patients with infectious keratitis / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Background@#Infectious keratitis is a disease caused by inflammation, infection, and other ocular damage to the outer and other deep layers of corneal epithelium. It is a major cause of monocular blindness and visual disability worldwide regardless of age and gender. Therefore, we aimed to determine the clinical features and risk factors of infectious keratitis among Mongolians and to identify the causative microorganism and compared them with the treatment results.@*Methods@#We collected the data of 149 patients who diagnosed as infectious keratitis at the Ophthalmology Department of the First State Central Hospital in 2017-2020 and using a case series model of descriptive study. Statistical analysis was calculated using Stata14 software.@*Results@#The majority of patients in our study were male, with a male-to-female ratio is 2.1:1. The cause of infectious keratitis were categorized and eye injury-induced keratitis accounted for the highest percentage of 38.3% (n=57), with the majority being men 73.7% (n=42) (p=0.028). As for the type of treatment, antibacterial drugs 103 (69.1%) and evisceration 27(45%) predominate.@*Conclusion@#Our study shows that the majority of infectious keratitis in Mongolia is due to trauma in male patients. Forty-five percent of all surgeries involve evisceration surgery, which reduces the client's quality of life.

Infectious keratitis in southern Brazil: a comparison culture negative and culture positive patients / Ceratite infecciosa no sul do Brasil: comparação entre pacientes com cultura negativa e positiva

Abstract Purpose: To compare clinical-epidemiological profile and treatment outcome between culture negative and culture positive keratitis patients. Methods: Patients with suspected infectious keratitis seen at two ophthalmic hospitals in Curitiba, Brazil, between June 2014 and April 2016, were prospectively studied. Ophthalmological exam with corneal scraping and microbiological tests were performed. Data regarding follow up, surgical interventions and treatment outcome were collected after 12 weeks of the first visit trough medical chart review. From the results of the culture, two groups were formed: culture negative keratitis (CNK) and culture positive keratitis (CPK). Results: According to inclusion criteria 21 patients were classified as culture negative keratitis and 20 patients as culture positive keratitis. The number of patients on antibiotic drops at the first visit was greater in CNK group (90.5% versus 60%; p=0.032). Surgical procedures were necessary in 3 patients (15%) in CNK group and in 7 patients (36,8%) in CPK group (p=0.155). Treatment success was achieved by 85% (17/20) of the patients in CNK group and by 61% (11/18) of the patients in CPK group (p=0.144). There was no significant difference between groups regarding age, gender, place of residence, presence of comorbidities, risk factors for infectious keratitis, duration of symptoms and characteristics of corneal ulcer. Conclusions: Previous treatment with antibiotics correlates with negative culture results. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome between culture negative and culture positive keratitis patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar os perfis clinico-epidemiológicos e os desfechos entre pacientes com ceratite com cultura positiva e pacientes com ceratite com cultura negativa. Métodos: Pacientes com ceratite infecciosa, atendidos em dois hospitais oftalmológicos em Curitiba, Brasil, entre junho de 2014 e abril de 2016, foram estudados prospectivamente. Exame oftalmológico, raspado de córnea e exames microbiológicos foram realizados no primeiro atendimento. Os dados quanto a seguimento e desfecho foram coletados após 12 semanas do primeiro atendimento através de revisão de prontuário. A partir dos resultados das culturas, dois grupos foram formados: ceratite com cultura negativa e ceratite com cultura positiva. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes foram classificados como ceratite com cultura negativa e 20 como ceratite com cultura positiva. O número de pacientes em uso de colírio antibiótico no primeiro atendimento foi maior no grupo de cultura negativa (90,5% versus 60%; p=0,032). Sete pacientes (37%) no grupo cultura positiva precisaram de procedimentos cirúrgicos no manejo da ceratite, versus 3 pacientes (15%) do grupo cultura negativa (p=0,155). Oitenta e cinco por cento (17/20) dos pacientes do grupo cultura negativa alcançaram sucesso no tratamento, contra 61% (11/18) dos pacientes no grupo cultura positiva (p=0,144). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto a idade, gênero, local de procedência, presença de comorbidades, fatores de risco, duração dos sintomas e características da úlcera de córnea. Conclusão: Tratamento prévio com colírio de antibiótico correlaciona-se com resultados negativos de cultura. Não houve diferença no desfecho após tratamento entre os pacientes com cultura negativa e cultura positiva.

Demographic and socioeconomic barriers and treatment seeking behaviors of patients with infectious keratitis requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose: To understand demographic and socioeconomic barriers and treatment-seeking behaviors of patients with infectious keratitis requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) in a developing country. Methods: This prospective non-comparative questionnaire- based study included all patients presenting to Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai with infectious keratitis that eventuated to TPK between November 2015 and October 2016. A structured questionnaire was administered on post-operative day 3 to collect data on the demographic details, predisposing factors, prior treatment received, and treatment expenditures. Results: In total, 227 patients underwent TPK between November 2015 and October 2016 for infectious keratitis. The majority of patients were males (n = 132, 58.1%), illiterate (n = 129, 56.8%), and had a family monthly income of less than INR 6000 (n = 142, 62.5%). Most of the patients (n = 163, 71.8%) had prior treatment with an ophthalmologist before presenting to our hospital. The mean distance travelled to reach our centre was 269.2 ± 298.5 km. The mean duration of disease before the presentation was 20.3 ± 21.1 days. Corneal smear was positive for fungus in 163 (88.1%) and Aspergillus was the most commonly isolated fungi in 55 (41.3%) cultures. The mean total cost of treatment was INR 8752.87 ± 7615.39 per patient. There was a positive correlation between the duration of the disease (rho 0.19, P = 0.0034) and the costs of treatment (rho 0.2, P = 0.0024) with the distance travelled by the patient. Conclusion: Patients who travelled a farther distance had a delayed onset of presentation and spent significantly more than their respective counterparts.

Clinical changes of contralateral unaffected eyes in patients with unilateral infectious keratitis under in vivo confocal microscopy / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical changes of corneal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,endothelial cells and corneal nerves in contralateral eyes of patients with unilateral infectious keratitis.Methods A prospective serial case observation study was conducted in patients with unilateral infectious keratitis from January to August 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University.The corneal epithelial cells density,dendritic cells density,endothelial cells density,total nerve density,total number of nerves and branch nerve density were analyzed with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM),slit lamp microscopy was performed on all subjects to observe the conjunctiva,cornea and anterior chamber.Corneal branch nerve density and total nerve density were compared with the control group by homogeneity test of variance.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (No.IRB-AF/SC-04/01.0).Results Slit lamp microscopy showed no significant changes in anterior segment of the contralateral uninfected eyes in the 3 groups.The corneal epithelial cells density of uninfected eyes in viral keratitis group,bacterial keratitis group and fungal keratitis group was 1 834 (1 584,2 107),1 905 (1 651,2 332) and 1 859 (1 477,1 995)/mm2,respectively,which were significantly lower than 3 479 (3 080,3 910)/mm2 in the control group,the dendritic cells densities in viral keratitis group and bacterial keratitis group were 175 (139,214)/mm2 and 156 (118,190)/mm2,which were higher than 69(57,76)/mm2 in the control group,the differences were statistically significant (all at P＜0.05).The corneal endothelial cells density of uninfected eyes in viral keratitis group was 1 107(945,1 270)/mm2,which was less than 1 905(1 651,2 332)/mm2 in the bacterial keratitis group and 1 859(1 477,1 995)/mm2 in the fungal keratitis group (both at P＜0.05).The corneal nerve number and total nerve density of uninfected eyes in viral keratitis group were l0(7,11)/mm2 and (1 822.85±622.34) μm/mm2,which were lower than 11 (9,13)/mm2 and (2 340.91±:408.70)μm/mm2 in the bacterial keratitis group,with significant differences between them (P＜ 0.05,P＜ 0.008 3).The morphology of corneal epithelial cells and endothelial cells in each infectious keratitis group was larger than that in the control group,while the morphology and number of dendritic cells in the contralateral eye of patients with viral and bacterial keratitis increased.Conclusions In unilateral uninfected eyes of infectious keratitis,the density of corneal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,endothelial cells and corneal nerves changes correspondingly.There may be a close relationship of corneal immunity and nervous system between the two eyes.

Cause and pathogenic characteristics of chronic infective keratitis in different age groups / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the cause and the description of pathogenic characteristics of chronic infective keratitis in different age groups. <p>METHODS: Totally 89 patients(89 eyes)with chronic infective keratitis were diagnosed in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were selected as the research objects and the cause of the disease and pathogenic characteristics of different age groups, including 13-32 years group(35 eyes in 35 patiens), 33-52 years group(28 eyes in 28 patiens)and 53-73 years group(26 eyes in 26 patiens), were retrospectively studied. <p>RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the etiological distribution of patients in the three groups(<i>P</i>=0.290). There was no significant difference in the distribution of microbial composition among the three groups(<i>χ</i>²=0.258, <i>P</i>=1.000). The incidence of chronic infectious keratitis caused by fungal infection in the three groups was higher than that of other pathogenic microbes. In this study, 26 cases were positive in bacterial culture, including Staphylococcus epidermidis(50%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(15%), Streptococcus salivarius(12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae(8%), Escherichia coli(8%)and Neisseria gonorrhoeae(8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the common bacterial strains in the positive culture results. In the cultivation of fungal strains 24 were positive cultures including Fusarium(46%), Aspergillus(17%), Alternaria(21%), Mycelium(no spore,4%), Penicillium(4%)and Curvularia(8%). Two strains of Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. were high of all patients. <p>CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the etiology of infectious keratitis among different age groups. Fungal infection is the main pathogen in the distribution of pathogens, the bacteria were mainly Streptococcus epidermidis in etiological features but in fungi, Fusarium dominates. So early prevention and prevention of infective keratitis should be strengthened and early treatment should be given.

Effects of peptidoglycan with different concentrations on TLR2 and TLR4 in corneal epithelial cells of mice / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the effects of peptidoglycan (PGN) with different concentrations on Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2),Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in corneal epithelial cells of mice.Methods Corneal epithelial cells of c57 mice were cultured in vitro.Cells were divided into blank control group and 10 mg · L-1 group,30 mg · L-1 gruop and 80 mg · L-1 group (treated by different concentration of PGN for 12 hours).In the meantime,the cells in 30 mg · L-1 group were cultured for different times(named 12 hours group,24 hours group,36 hours group).Expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and protein in different group were measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry.Results Compared with control group (1.00 ± 0.14,1.00 ± 0.01),the expression of TLR2,LR4 mRNA in 10 mg · L-1 group (4.35 ± 0.46,3.53 ± 0.50),30 mg · L-1 group (8.06 ±0.72,5.31 ±0.34),80 mg · L-1 group (2.93 ±0.46,2.23 ±0.04) were increased,the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with control group,the expression of TLR2,TLR4 protein in different concentration group and 12 hour group were increased,the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PGN can up-regulate both mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in corneal epithelial cells of mice,suggest that TLR2 and TLR4 in the corneal epithelial cell can recognize some exogenous pathogen and regulate the inflammatory reaction,which are closely related to the occurrence and development of infectious keratitis.

A retrospective analysis of the pathogens associated with infectious keratitis / 中国感染与化疗杂志

Objective To study the pathogens associated with infectious keratitis for early diagnosis and treatment.Methods This study was conducted with the patients with confirmed diagnosis of infectious keratitis in our hospital during the period from January 2011 through December 2015.The specimens from corneal ulcer were subject to bacterial and fungal culture.The pathogens and associated risk factors of infectious keratitis were analyzed retrospectively.Results Of the 1 046 corneal specimens,369 (35.3％) were positive for microorganisms.The most frequently isolated microorganism was fungal species (53.1％),followed by grampositive cocci (31.2％),gram-negative bacilli (11.1％),and gram-positive bacilli (4.6％).Of the fungal strains,most were Fusarium (69.4％),followed by Aspergillus species (21.9％).Coagulase negative Staphylococcus accounted for more than half (50.4％) of the gram positive cocci.Conclusions Infectious keratitis is primarily associated with fungal infection,especially filamentous fungus such as Fusarium.

Advances in the application of corneal confocal microscopy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·Corneal confocal microscopy can be used in the real-time, noninvasive, high-resolution corneal structure at the cellular level, which has been widely used in corneal disease research. This review summarizes recent advances in corneal confocal microscopy in the study of infectious keratitis, dry eye, keratoconus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and clinical studies to guide corneal transplantation.

Infectious keratitis – a review.

Infectious keratitis is an important problem in the Indian context, and epidemiological studies suggest a higher prevalence of disease as compared to the developed world. Various aspects of the problem, including the host defence, ocular and systemic risk factors and microbial mechanisms that enhance pathogenesis have been discussed. The clinical and microbiological approach to the infected eye and patient and the relevant tests have been outlined. The major classes of medications that are used the methods of delivery are specified. Finally, the approach to patients with non-responsive keratitis that requires surgical manoeuvres is also highlighted. Clinical experience is important in distinguishing an infective from an inflammatory corneal pathology. The role of an experienced microbiologist is inevitable, for good clinical outcome. Therapeutic keratoplasty has to be done at the right time for better clinical outcomes.

A retrospective study of fungal corneal ulcer from the western part of Uttar Pradesh.

Background: Infectious keratitis is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Fungus is an important aetiological agent of infectious keratitis following corneal trauma with vegetative matter. This infection should be promptly treated to limit the morbidity and dangerous sequelae. The purpose of this study was to detect causative agents from corneal scrapings and to identify the predisposing factors of mycotic keratitis. Methods: Corneal scrapings were taken in full aseptic precautions in total 112 suspected patients for fungal etiology and were subjected to direct examination by 10% KOH mount, gram stain and culture. Results: A total 112 cases of suspected corneal ulcers were subjected to KOH mount to detect fungal elements in corneal scraping and culture to isolate aetiological agents. In our study 29 (25.8%) samples were found positive in KOH mount and fungus was isolated from the all KOH positive samples. Males were more commonly affected and were mostly in the age group of 30-50 years. Fusarium species was the most common fungus isolated followed by Aspergillus species. Conclusion: Mycotic keratitis is a serious problem usually following corneal trauma, it requires rapid detection and identification of fugal agents for treatment to prevent disastrous consequences.

Experimental Investigation on Rabbits Following Peritoneal Injection of Bacteria Isolated from Human Keratitis.

Aim: This work was aimed at studying the pathogenicity of bacteria causing infectious keratitis through experimental infection using different groups of rabbits that were inoculated with clinical isolates and assessed through biochemical and histopathological investigations. Study Design: This study was carried out on Rabbits. Place and Duration of the Study: this experiment was carried out at Med. Labs. Dept, Qassim Univ., in April 2013. Methodology: The isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus from clinical corneal scraping swabs of patients suffering from infectious keratitis were experimentally inoculated through intraperitoneal injection in different groups of Original Research Article Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(26): 4470-4481, 2014 4471 rabbits (2.0-2.5kg) and were subjected to serum biochemical and histopathological examinations. Results: The experimental rabbits showed alterations in both liver and kidney function parameters that varied with the type of bacteria injected. The level of urea was nonsignificantly increased to a higher extent in rabbits within 3 and 7 days of infection. There was no marked change in the levels of uric acid and creatinine in all groups of rabbits. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed variable increased values but seemed also within limits of reference in all the groups of rabbits injected with either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa. Histopathologically, the internal organs (liver and kidneys) of the experimental rabbits showed inflammatory reactions with degenerative changes and/or necrosis while the cornea revealed oedema and leukocytic infiltration. The microscopic findings were varied in severity according to the type of the bacteria. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus experimentally induced infections revealed histopathologic lesions and disturbances in the functions of liver and kidneys of experimental rabbits together with proliferation of corneal epithelium and polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration in the corneal stroma. Therefore, strict measures are recommended to control and treat infectious keratitis to avoid visual complications and systemic disturbances among infected patients.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la queratitis infecciosa en operados de queratoplastia penetrante óptica / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infectious keratitis in patients operated on by optic penetrating keratoplasty

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la queratitis infecciosa en la queratoplastia penetrante óptica. Métodos: se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva, longitudinal prospectiva, con una muestra de 31 pacientes con diagnóstico de queratitis infecciosa en el injerto corneal, después de una queratoplastia penetrante óptica. Atendidos en el Servicio de Córnea del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer en fecha comprendida de marzo a noviembre del 2010. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, intervalo de tiempo entre la queratoplastia penetrante y el inicio de la infección, factores predisponentes asociados a la queratitis infecciosa, manifestaciones clínicas, complicaciones y estado final del injerto. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino 61,3 por ciento y el grupo de edades de 30-44 años 45,2 por ciento. La mayoría de los casos presentaron una infección tardía, siendo el principal factor predisponente el uso de esteroides tópicos. El síntoma más frecuente fue la secreción 77,4 por ciento y el signo más significativo fue el edema corneal 74,1 por ciento. Predominó la localización periférica del infiltrado 51,6 por ciento, con un tamaño de 1-3 mm 48,4 por ciento y una profundidad hasta el tercio anterior 58,1 por ciento. La complicación más frecuente fue la hipertensión ocular secundaria con un 50 por ciento. El injerto mantuvo la transparencia solo en el 12,9 por ciento de los pacientes. Conclusiones: la queratitis microbiana después del trasplante de córnea es una complicación amenazante para la visión y puede llevar a la pérdida de la transparencia, debido a la formación de cicatriz corneal. Es necesario mantener el control de los factores predisponentes para disminuir la frecuencia de esta complicación

Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infectious keratitis in optic penetrating keratoplasty. Methods: prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational research of a sample of 31 patients diagnosed with infectious ketatitis in their corneal graft, after undergoing optic penetrating keratoplasty. They had been attended to in the Corneal Service of Ramon Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from March to November 2010. The studied variables were age, sex, time lapse from the penetrating keratoplasty to the starting of infection, predisposing factors associated to infectious keratitis, clinical manifestations, complications and final condition of the graft. Results: males 61.3 percent and 30-44 y age group 45.2 percent were predominant. The majority of cases presented with late infection, being the use of topical steroids the main predisposing factor. The most frequent symptom was secretion 77.4 percent and the most significant sign was corneal edema 74.1 percent. Peripheral location of infiltrates 51.6 percent predominated, with size of 1-3 mm 48.4 percent percent.1 percent. The most common complication was secondary ocular hypertension 50 percent. The graft kept transparency just in 12.9 percent of patients. Conclusions: microbial keratitis after corneal transplantation is a threatening complication for the vision and may lead to loss of transparency due to formation of corneal scar. It is necessary to keep control over the predisposing factors to reduce the frequency of this complication

Efeito terapêutico do crosslinking corneal na ceratite infecciosa / Therapeutic effect of corneal crosslinking on infectious keratitis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do crosslinking (CXL) no tratamento de ceratite infecciosa, resistente ao tratamento clínico, e investigar a relação com o agente etiológico. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 11 pacientes com diagnóstico de ceratite infecciosa de etiologia bacteriana (sete olhos) e fúngica (quatro olhos) na Fundação Altino Ventura (FAV) no período de outubro de 2011 a maio de 2012. Os pacientes incluídos estavam em uso de colírios há pelo menos sete dias e não apresentavam melhora da infecção. Estes foram avaliados antes da realização do CXL e no período pós-operatório até cicatrização da úlcera. Para realização do CXL foram instiladas gotas de riboflavina a 0,1% e dextrano a 20%, a cada cinco minutos em um período de 30 minutos antes do procedimento, e durante a aplicação da luz ultravioleta A (UVA). A córnea foi exposta à UVA com comprimento de onda de 370ηm ± 5ηm e uma irradiância de 3mW/cm2. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com infecção bacteriana obtiveram cura do processo infeccioso após o CXL e nenhum paciente com ceratite fúngica apresentou cicatrização. Observou-se associação significante (p = 0,003) entre o agente etiológico e a cicatrização. CONCLUSÃO: O CXL mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da ceratite bacteriana resistente ao tratamento clínico, evitando a realização de transplante tectônico. Em relação à ceratite fúngica, este procedimento não influenciou na melhora do processo infeccioso.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of corneal crosslinking (CXL) in the treatment of infectious keratitis resistant to medical treatment, and investigate the relation with the CXL outcome to the etiologic agent. METHODS: The study included 11 patients who were diagnosed with bacterial (seven eyes) or fungal keratitis (four eyes) at Altino Ventura Foundation from october 2011 to may 2012. All patients were using antibiotic eye drops for at least 7 days and have had no infection improvement. Patients were evaluated prior to CXL and the postoperative period until healing of the keratitis. For CXL, eyes were first instilled with a solution containing 0.1% riboflavin and 20% dextran for 30 min at a 5-minutes interval. Riboflavin-soaked eyes were then irradiated with UVA light (370ηm ± 5ηm) at 3mW/cm2 for 30 minutes. RESULTS: Eyes with bacterial infection exhibited improvement of infectious symptoms after CXL whereas eyes with fungal keratitis showed no improvement. Thus, there was a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.003) between the etiologic agent and the effectiveness of healing. CONCLUSION: CXL was effective in the treatment of bacterial keratitis resistant to clinical treatment, eliminating the need for surgery. However, CXL was not effective in managing fungal keratitis.

The antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose contact lens solutions on standard strains of common ocular pathogens

Objective@#To compare the antimicrobial effects of locally available multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPS) on the growth of standard strains of contact lens-related ocular pathogens and to establish the recommended duration of exposure to these solutions to achieve maximal antimicrobial efficacy.@*Methods@#This study, a single-blind controlled experiment, evaluated five locally available MPS in terms of their antimicrobial efficacy towards common contact lens-related ocular pathogens, such as P. aeroginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, F. solani, and C. albicans, using the stand alone criteria. Microbial viability counts were obtained at serial durations: after 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours of exposure.@*Results@#MPS containing polyquaternium-1 and myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (MAPD) and polyhexamide reduced the bacterial concentrations by 3 log and fungal concentrations by 1 log, enabling them to fulfill the stand alone criteria for disinfecting solutions as mandated by ISO/CD 14729. This antimicrobial efficacy was most evident at 6 hours of exposure to the challenge organisms. MPS containing polyquaternium-1 and MAPD also have the broadest spectrum of effectivity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and C. albicans. All MPS tested have poor microbial activity against F. solani. @*Conclusion@#Multipurpose contact lens solutions demonstrated variability in their antimicrobial activity. MPS with broad spectrum efficacy and effectivity, such as those containing polyquaternum and MAPD, are preferred to prevent contact lens-related ocular infections.