Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:22
Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis
Published on: May 12, 2020
Trends in microbial keratitis in Japan.
Hiroshi Toshida1, Nobuyuki Kogure, Naoki Inoue
1Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. toshida@med.juntendo.ac.jp
Eye & Contact Lens
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Infectious keratitis is often caused by bacteria, with contact lens wear being the primary risk factor. Identifying causative organisms through cultures is crucial for effective treatment and improved visual outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious keratitis is a significant cause of corneal blindness worldwide.
- Understanding the specific microbial profile and risk factors is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiological characteristics of infectious keratitis.
- To identify predisposing factors associated with infectious keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of microorganisms isolated from infectious corneal ulcers between 1999 and 2003.
- Exclusion of herpetic and other viral infections.
- Collection of patient demographics, risk factors, and isolated organisms.
Main Results:
- Organisms were isolated from 58.5% of 123 eyes; 99 organisms were identified.
- Gram-positive bacteria (77.8%) were the most common pathogens, followed by gram-negative bacteria (18.2%), fungi (6.1%), and Acanthamoeba (1.0%).
- Contact lens wear (54.5%) was the leading risk factor, followed by ocular surface disease (20.5%) and prior ocular surgery (13.1%).
Conclusions:
- Microbial patterns are evolving and differ internationally.
- Contact lens wear is the predominant risk factor for infectious keratitis in Japan.
- Microbial identification via culture and susceptibility testing is vital for enhancing treatment success rates and visual acuity.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...