Antifungal susceptibility testing: Application in cases of oculomycosis

ABSTRACT

We studied a total of 52 cases of fungal ocular infections in Saudi Arabia. Mycotic keratitis predominates the cases [84.6%]. History of trauma was given in 55.7% of cases, previous use of antibiotics in 40%., and use of steroids in only 9.6%. Majority of patients are middle-aged males [67.3%]. The most frequent cause of oculomycosis was found to be Aspergillus Spp. [53.8%]. Other etiologic organisms includes Fusarium Spp. [23%]., yeast [9.6%], and dematecious molds [9.6%] Our disc microbroth antifungal susceptibility test was found to be comparable with the standardized National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standardization [NCCLS] method. Azole group of drugs Ketoconazole, Miconazole, and itraconazole showed excellent activity against yeasts and Aspergillus Spp. as 92-100% of strains are susceptible. 75% of Fusarium Spp. are also susceptible to itraconazole. 5-FIuorocytosin, on the other hand, showed poor activity against molds but active against Candida. Amphotericin-B showed variable activities but its high toxicity remains as a limiting factor