Microbiological And Epidemiological Profile Of Keratomycosis In A Tertiary Care Hospital – A Prospective Analysis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Microbial keratitis is predominantly an opportunistic, serious ocular infectious disease that can lead to significant vision loss and ophthalmic morbidity.1 The fungi are significant pathogens causing ocular infections due to their frequent involvement and difficulty in establishing definitive diagnosis.. Material and Methods: We prospectively analyzed 106 cases of keratomycosis in our tertiary care hospital. Corneal scrapings were collected, processed and fungal pathogens were identified by standard laboratory techniques. Results: Out of 106 suspected cases, culture was positive in 31 cases. Aspergillus species were the most frequent isolates (51.61%). Next to this were Candida spp. (19.35%) followed by Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Mucor spp , Penicillium spp, Drechslera spp and Exserohilum spp . Males were more affected than females and trauma was the most common predisposing factor. Conclusions: This study highlights important risk factors and organisms responsible for mycotic keratitis.