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Published on: September 20, 2018
Microbial keratitis in West Anatolia, Turkey: a retrospective review
Safiye Yilmaz1, Ilgin Ozturk, Ahmet Maden
1Department of Ophthalmology, Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Mustafa Kemal Cad. No. 36/4, 35040 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. safiyekucukbay@hotmail.com
Purpose:
To analyze the clinical and microbiological characteristics of microbial keratitis in West Anatolia, Turkey during a 16-year period.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study in which medical records were reviewed for all eyes with clinically diagnosed microbial keratitis presenting at the Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital from January 1990 to December 2005. Risk factors, microbial isolations and clinical features were analyzed.
Results:
Microbial keratitis was diagnosed for 620 eyes in 620 patients (250 women and 370 men; mean age: 54.13 years +/- 20.06). Pathogens from cultures were identified for 225 eyes (36.2%) and included Gram-negative (8.9%) and Gram-positive micro-organisms (68.8%) and fungi (22.3%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most commonly isolated micro-organism (26.6%), followed by S. aureus (24.4%), Streptococci pneumoniae (15.5%), fungi (22.3%), Pseudomonas species (6.6%), Enterobacter (2.2%) and Corynebacterium (2.2%). Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor (26.6%). Mean duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 11.68 +/- 11.29 days.
Conclusion:
Staphylococci are the most commonly isolated microbial agents in cases of infectious keratitis in West Anatolia, Turkey. These findings will provide valuable background information and facilitate successful treatment in this region, and they will be useful as reference data for the particular population in this region as a basis for empirical antibiotic therapy.
Insights
Staphylococci were the most common cause of microbial keratitis in West Anatolia, Turkey. This study provides essential data for treating infectious keratitis in the region.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbial keratitis is a significant cause of vision loss worldwide.
- Understanding regional microbiological patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and microbiological characteristics of microbial keratitis.
- To determine the prevalence of causative agents and risk factors in West Anatolia, Turkey.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for microbial keratitis cases.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical features, microbial isolations, and predisposing factors.
- Study period: January 1990 to December 2005.
Main Results:
- 620 cases of microbial keratitis were identified.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis (26.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (24.4%) were the most common pathogens.
- Fungi (22.3%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (15.5%) were also significant isolates.
- Ocular trauma was the most frequent predisposing factor (26.6%).
Conclusions:
- Staphylococci are the predominant microbial agents causing infectious keratitis in West Anatolia.
- Findings offer valuable insights for empirical antibiotic therapy and treatment strategies in the region.
- This data serves as a regional reference for infectious keratitis management.
