1Consultant, Sunshine Hospital, Hyderabad
2Associate Professor, B.J. Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
3Professor and Head, Dept. of Microbiology, B.J. Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
*Corresponding Author: Email: dr.smitadeshpande@yahoo.com
Online published on 24 September, 2018.
Microbial keratitis remains a leading cause of corneal ulcer and blindness worldwide. Mycotic keratitis has emerged as a major ophthalmic problem and contributes to 6–53% of all corneal infections worldwide. Thus the present study was undertaken to assess the spectrum of fungal causes of keratitis in BJGMC & SGH, Pune
1. To establish the microbiological profile of keratitis. 2. To determine the mycological profile of keratitis.
The present prospective study was conducted over a period of twelve months in a tertiary care hospital. The study was undertaken to evaluate the etiological profile of keratomycosis with a special reference to mycotic etiology. The corneal scrapings were collected aseptically and processed by direct microscopic methods and standard culture techniques.
Of 90 cases of keratitis screened, culture yielded growth in 50 cases (55.6%). These were included in the study. Out of these 50 cases of growth, fungi were isolated in 32% and bacteria in 64% cases. Mixed growth of bacteria and fungi was found in4% cases. Most common fungus found were Fusarium spp. (44.4%) followed by Aspergillus spp. (27.8%), Alternaria spp. (11.1%), Curvulariaspp (11.1%) and Acremonium spp (5.6%).
Routine surveillance of fungal keratitis is necessary to know the existing and emerging pattern of pathogens and to prevent inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy.
Keratitis, Fungus, Aspergellus, Keratomycosis
