The nature of ulcerative keratitis in Kuwait (clinical and microbiological study)

A retrospective clinico-microbiological study of 83 patients with corneal ulcers due to bacterial infection was performed. Positive cultures of corneal ulcer samples were obtained from 57% of all patients. A high incidence of Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from ulcer patients; Pseudomonas, Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumonia were the next most frequent pathogens. Of some help in identifying the causative organism were the locations of the ulcers, the presence or absence of hypopyon and the frequency of perforation. Gentamycin, cephaloridine and polymyxin were found to be the most effective therapies. Gram stains of ulcer samples were positive for organisms in only 11% of patients and accordingly were not considered useful in determining the appropriate initial therapy of ulcers. It was concluded that treatment should be started with a broad combination of antibiotics while awaiting the culture results.