IJCRR - 5(6), March, 2013
Pages: 92-97
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF KERATOMYCOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH KARNATAKA
Author: Sathyanarayan M.S., Suresh B. Sonth, Surekha Y.A., Mariraj J., Krishna S.
Category: Healthcare
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Abstract:
Introduction: Keratomycosis is a common cause of corneal blindness and requires prompt diagnosis for early initiation of antifungal treatment. The present study was undertaken to determine the epidemiological features associated with laboratory confirmed cases of keratomycosis, to compare the direct microscopy and culture in the diagnosis of keratomycosis and to determine the pattern of fungal isolates in these cases. Research Methodology: Epidemiological data of 87 suspected keratomycosis cases over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010 was noted and the cases were investigated for evidence of fungal pathogens in corneal scrapings by direct microscopy using 10% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) preparation, Gram stain and fungal culture as per standard protocols.
Results: A majority of the 34 laboratory confirmed cases were noted in the rural population, with a male predominance and mostly in the age group associated with outdoor activity. KOH preparation was found to be most sensitive (82.35%) among the techniques studied. Aspergillus spp. were the commonest isolates (69.56%) encountered.
Conclusion: Rural population, especially males in the active working age group and those involved in agriculture were found to be predisposed to the development of fungal corneal ulcers. Rapid and reliable detection of presence of fungal elements in suspected cases of keratomycosis can be done using direct microscopy with KOH preparations of corneal scrapings. Aspergillus spp. were found to be the commonest isolates, followed by Fusarium spp. and dematiaceous fungi in patients presenting with keratomycosis in Bellary.
Keywords: Keratomycosis, KOH preparation, Gram stain, Culture, Aspergillus spp.
Citation:
Sathyanarayan M.S., Suresh B. Sonth, Surekha Y.A., Mariraj J., Krishna S.. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF KERATOMYCOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH KARNATAKA International Journal of Current Research and Review. 5(6), March, 92-97
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