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Ocular atopy and mycotic keratitis
R B Vajpayee1, S K Gupta, U Bareja
1Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
Abstract:
In a retrospective analysis, we studied the association between ocular atopy and keratomycosis. Forty-one (26.3%) of 156 patients with fungal corneal ulcers were found to have preexisting allergic conjunctivitis. All patients had been using a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids before developing the corneal ulcer. Fungus isolation on Sabouraud's agar medium was obtained in 74.8% (31/42) ulcers. The most common fungi isolated were Fusarium (32.3%) and Aspergillus (29%). One percent silver sulfadiazine was used as an antifungal agent in these patients. Overall efficacy of this drug was found to be 77.8%, with Fusarium being the most sensitive (87.5%).
Insights
Ocular atopy, or allergic conjunctivitis, was linked to fungal corneal ulcers in a study. Many patients used corticosteroids before infection, and silver sulfadiazine showed 77.8% efficacy against fungal keratitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ocular atopy is a common allergic eye condition.
- Fungal keratitis (keratomycosis) is a serious corneal infection.
- Corticosteroid use is a known risk factor for fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ocular atopy and fungal corneal ulcers.
- To identify common fungal pathogens in keratomycosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of silver sulfadiazine in treating fungal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 156 patients with fungal corneal ulcers.
- Assessment for pre-existing allergic conjunctivitis.
- Fungal isolation and identification using Sabouraud's agar.
- Treatment with 1% silver sulfadiazine and efficacy evaluation.
Main Results:
- 26.3% of patients with fungal ulcers had pre-existing allergic conjunctivitis.
- Fusarium (32.3%) and Aspergillus (29%) were the most common fungi isolated.
- Silver sulfadiazine achieved an overall efficacy of 77.8% in treating fungal keratitis.
- Fusarium species showed the highest sensitivity (87.5%) to silver sulfadiazine.
Conclusions:
- Ocular atopy may be a significant risk factor for developing fungal corneal ulcers.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for managing keratomycosis.
- Silver sulfadiazine is an effective agent for treating fungal keratitis, particularly infections caused by Fusarium.