Prem Prakash Mishra1, Ved Prakash2, Yogendra Singh3
BACKGROUND
Corneal infections are one of the predominant causes of ocular concern worldwide especially in agriculture based developing countries.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the aetiology and risk factors associated with keratomycosis in Western Region of Uttar Pradesh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was carried among 62 clinically suspected cases of fungal keratitis from March 2014 to February 2016 in the Department of Microbiology of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after approval of Institutional Ethical Committee. The patients were analysed for predisposing factors and clinical characteristics. The corneal scrapings were examined by 10% KOH mount and were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The fungal aetiologies were identified by colony morphology, lactophenol cotton blue mount, slide culture and other standard tests.
RESULTS
Of 62 clinically suspected cases of keratomycosis, 29 (45.83%) were culture positive and 33 (53.22%) cases were positive on direct microscopy for fungal elements. The most common predisposing factor was found to be traumatic inoculation of vegetative matter to the eye (41.38%), followed by inoculation of dust among brick workers (24.13%), prolonged use of corticosteroid (13.79%), use of contact lenses (13.79%) and severe diabetes mellitus (8.89%). The commonest fungi secluded were Aspergillus species (61.5%) followed by Fusarium species n=6/29 (20.67%), Penicillium species n=4/29 (13.79%), Candida albicans n=2/29 (6.90%), Curvularia species n=2/29 (6.90%) and Mucor species n=2/29 (6.90%).
CONCLUSION Incidence of keratomycosis is on higher side in this region. It should be considered while diagnosing corneal infection especially in rural area as early diagnosis can help in the management of keratomycosis and hence its complications.
