Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole therapy in Nocardia keratitis

To describe the clinical features, microbiological features and treatment outcome of nine patients with Nocardia keratitis treated with topical trimethoprim- sulphamethoxazole drops.

Retrospective review of nine patients with culture-proven Nocardia keratitis.

Nine patients with Nocardia keratitis were treated with topical trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole drops. The average duration of treatment was 25 +/- 9 days. Five of the nine patients presented with superficial ulcers with margins studded with yellowish white discrete pinhead sized infiltration; the other four patients had deep stromal infiltration. Complete healing of the ulcer was achieved in six out of the nine patients with topical trimethoprim- sulphamethoxazole alone or in combination with ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye drops.

Topical application of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole appears to be effective therapy for superficial keratitis due to Nocardia.