European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL KERATITIS

Dr.Uma Sri Mallareddy*, Dr.Parameswari Katay, Dr.Geethanjali Anke

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Microbial keratitis is a common potentially vision threatening ocular infection that may be caused by various pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Aims of the study to isolate the pathogenic bacteria in infective keratitis with its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and to determine the risk factors. Materials and Methods: Corneal scrapings has collected from 100 patients with corneal ulceration during January 2007 to August 2008 and Bacterial isolation has done by Grams Staining, Colony characteristics, Biochemical characteristics and its antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed. Results: The bacterial isolation was 40% in corneal ulcers. Pseudomonas aeruginosa(22.5%) was the predominant pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus(20%), Streptococcus pneumoniae(20%), Micrococcus spp(20%). Trauma to eye(65%) was the most common predisposing factor. Bacterial ulcers were more common in males and in rural population. Most of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to Levofloxacin, Tetracycline, Amikacin. Conclusion: Early Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial ulcers responds well. Lack of awareness and illiteracy among rural population and late presentation to ophthalmic clinics is considered for deterioration.

Keywords: Bacterial Keratitis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.