Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
07:50
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Childhood microbial keratitis
Abdullah G Al Otaibi1, Khalid Allam, Al Johara Damri
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 5, 2012
Summary
Pediatric microbial keratitis, often caused by trauma, requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable visual outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Pediatric cases present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
- Understanding risk factors and causative agents is vital for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with pediatric microbial keratitis.
- To describe the clinical presentation, microbial spectrum, and treatment outcomes.
- To evaluate visual prognosis in children diagnosed with microbial keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children (≤16 years) with microbial keratitis.
- Data collected included demographics, predisposing factors, clinical course, and microbial cultures.
- Analysis of treatment modalities and visual outcomes at a tertiary referral eye hospital.
Main Results:
- Ocular trauma was the leading predisposing factor (39.7%) in 68 pediatric cases.
- Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, were the most common isolates.
- 50% of cases had positive microbial cultures, with 66.2% achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better.
Conclusions:
- Prompt and comprehensive management is essential for pediatric microbial keratitis.
- Identifying predisposing factors and causative organisms aids in successful treatment.
- Ocular trauma is a significant risk factor, emphasizing the need for preventative measures.
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...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...