Mycological profile of keratomycosis in a tertiary care centre from Pune Maharashtra

---

Original Article

Author Details : Purabi Baral, Smita K. Deshpande, Renu R. Bharadwaj

Volume : 4, Issue : 2, Year : 2018

Article Page : 48-52

https://doi.org/10.18231/2581-4761.2018.0011

Suggest article by email

Get Permission

---

Abstract

Introduction: 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.
Aims and Objectives: 1. To establish the microbiological profile of keratitis. 2. To determine the mycological profile of keratitis.
Materials and Methods: 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.
Results: 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%).
Conclusion: Routine surveillance of fungal keratitis is necessary to know the existing and emerging pattern of pathogens and to prevent inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy.

Keywords: Keratitis, Fungus, Aspergellus, Keratomycosis.

How to cite : Baral P, Deshpande S K, Bharadwaj R R, Mycological profile of keratomycosis in a tertiary care centre from Pune Maharashtra. IP Int J Med Microbiol Trop Dis 2018;4(2):48-52

This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.