Fungal keratitis in the United Kingdom 2003-2005

To describe the incidence and current management of fungal keratitis in the United Kingdom.

Cases were identified prospectively through the British Ophthalmologic Surveillance Unit (BOSU) from December 2003 to November 2005. Questionnaire data were requested at diagnosis and at 6 months follow-up. Inclusion criteria were a positive culture or microsopic proof from a scraping or biopsy, and a normal residence in the United Kingdom.

Data were available on 39 confirmed cases at diagnosis and 34 cases at follow-up. The minimum average annualised incidence was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.24-0.44) cases per million individuals. In 22 cases (56%), only Candida was isolated and 14 of these (63%) had prior ocular surface disease treated with topical steroid. A filamentary fungus infection was more common in male patients (P=0.02), often following trauma, and the differences in risk factors between types of fungal infection was statistically significant (P<0.001). One case had a mixed yeast and filamentary fungus infection. The most frequent initial topical therapies were amphotericin B (38%) or econazole (28%). In addition, oral fluconazole was used in 11 (31%) patients and oral itraconazole in six (15%). At follow-up, the vision in 15 eyes (44%) was <6/60 including three eyes eviscerated.

This study provides data on the minimum incidence of fungal keratitis in the United Kingdom. It provides evidence of frequent delay in diagnosis after presentation to eye departments, inconsistent management, and poor outcome. Issues that can now be addressed.