Microbiological Profile of Infectious Keratitis at a Tertiary Care Hospital

In developing countries, infectious keratitis being the probable cause of preventable blindness, also have a varied epidemiological profile. This study was conducted to know the microbiological profile, risk factors, epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from patients with a corneal ulcers. A total of 193 patients who were clinically diagnosed with cases of infective keratitis in the Department of Ophthalmology were included in the study. The sample collected by an ophthalmologist was received in the Microbiology department. All the demographic details and relevant clinical data were noted. The bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were done using automated methods while the fungal identification was done using the conventional method (Vitek2 Compact system, BioMerieux). Out of 193 patients, 69% were male and 31% % were females. The Majority of cases were from the age group 41- 50 years. Of 193 cases, 83 (43%) showed microbial etiology in culture. Of 83 culture positive cases, 55 (66.3%) were fungal and 28 (33.7%) were bacterial. The most common isolated fungus was Fusarium species detected in 24 (28.9%) cases followed by Aspergillus species in 14 (16.8%) cases. Gram positive bacteria were predominantly isolated from cases of infective keratitis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated bacteria in 12 (14.4%) out of 83 positive cases followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common Gram negative bacteria isolated from the cases. Among the topical antimicrobials, both Gram positive bacteria as well as Gram negative bacteria showed maximum sensitivity to levofloxacin. Proper knowledge of the clinical presentation and etiological agents aided with microbiological examination is necessary in order to effectively treat corneal ulcers and prevent further complications that can lead to blindness.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the microbiological profile, risk factors, epidemiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from patients with corneal ulcers. The results showed that Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were the main causative agents of infectious keratitis. This information is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications associated with corneal ulcers.