Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Microbial scleritis-experience from a developing country
Purpose:
The purpose of this article was to study the clinical features, pathogenic organisms, and the outcome in cases of infectious scleritis.
Method:
Retrospective chart review of all patients of infectious scleritis examined from January 2000 to February 2005 in the cornea services of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India was done. Information including patient's age, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, pathogenic organism, methods of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were abstracted from the medical records.
Results:
A total of 21 eyes of infectious scleritis were identified. All except three eyes had preceding predisposing factors, prior cataract surgery (6 eyes) (30%) and pterygium surgery (5 eyes) (23.8%) were the most common predisposing factors. Fungus (8 eyes) (38%), either alone (5 eyes) (24%) or as mixed infection (3 eyes) (14%), was the most common offending organism. Nocardia was identified in five eyes (24%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in two eyes (10%). Seven eyes (33%) had accompanying corneal infiltration. Multifocal scleral abscess was seen in three eyes (14%) and endophthalmitis was seen in three eyes (14%). During the course of treatment, five eyes (24%) were complicated by serous retinal or choroidal detachment and five eyes (24%) with progression of cataract. Surgical debridement was carried out in 14 eyes (67%). Four eyes (19%) were eviscerated. Useful vision, defined as visual acuity > or = 20/200, could be preserved with treatment in seven eyes (33%).
Conclusion:
Although predisposing factors were similar, fungi and Nocardia were the most common etiological agents in this series and the clinical outcomes were poorer.
Insights
Infectious scleritis cases, often following eye surgery, were predominantly caused by fungi and Nocardia. Outcomes were often poor, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this serious eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infectious scleritis is a serious ocular condition that can lead to vision loss.
- Predisposing factors and common causative organisms vary geographically and over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics, microbial causes, and treatment outcomes of infectious scleritis.
- To identify common predisposing factors and etiological agents in a South Indian population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients diagnosed with infectious scleritis between January 2000 and February 2005.
- Data collected included patient demographics, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, microbiological diagnosis, treatment, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one eyes with infectious scleritis were analyzed, with fungal infections (38%) and Nocardia (24%) being the most common causes.
- Cataract surgery (30%) and pterygium surgery (23.8%) were frequent predisposing factors.
- Poor visual outcomes were observed, with only 33% of eyes preserving useful vision (≥20/200), and 19% requiring evisceration.
Conclusions:
- Fungi and Nocardia are significant etiological agents in infectious scleritis in this region.
- Infectious scleritis in this series was associated with poorer clinical outcomes compared to other reports.
- Identifying predisposing factors and causative organisms is crucial for effective management and improving visual prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia