Exploring the Spectrum of Microbial Keratitis: A Comprehensive Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Maharashtra
Abstract: Aim: To assess the different types of microbial keratitis and their morbidity and mortality in patients presenting to the ophthalmology department of a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Data was collected from 80 patients by history taking, general examination, ophthalmic examination and Corneal scraping material was sent for microbiology evaluation as per standard guidelines. Result: The study included 80 patients with a mean age of 51.15?15.10yrs, with 66.2 % being male. Sugarcane leaf was found to be the most common agent for trauma in 25.1% of cases, followed by thorn prick in 10.1%, wooden stick in 10.1%, dust in 8.8%, and a tree branch in 7.5%. Others included foreign body, stone, and the tail of a buffalo. Ulcers were most commonly found at the central (55%), peripheral (42.5%), and multiple parts (2.5%) of the cornea. On assessment of the type of ulcer, 30% were due to bacteria, 27.5% were fungal, and 12.5% were viral. Among the gram-positive majority were Staphylococcus aureus, followed by pneumococci, streptococci, and hemolytic streptococcus. Similarly, in gram-negative bacteria, the majority were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: The present study documents corneal injury as one of the main risk factors associated with infective keratitis. Males were found to be more affected than female individuals. The study documented that bacterial infections were most common, followed by fungal and viral infections.
Keywords: Cornea, Fungus, Bacterial, Keratitis
How to Cite?: Dr. Aikya V. Gadhiya, Dr. B.S. Joshi, Dr. Vijay H. Karambelkar, Dr. Dnyanesh Shirke, "Exploring the Spectrum of Microbial Keratitis: A Comprehensive Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Maharashtra", Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2187-2190, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR23727020328, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR23727020328