Microbial Spectrum of Keratitis at a Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Microbial keratitis is a significant cause of vision impairment.
• Causative agents include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
• Microbial profiles vary by demographics, location, climate, and occupation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microbiological profile of microbial keratitis.
• To identify common causative agents and risk factors.
• To inform treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Collected corneal scrapings from 75 patients diagnosed with microbial keratitis.
• Processed samples in a microbiology laboratory.
• Identified bacterial and fungal isolates using standard procedures.

Main Results:

• Fungi (68.42%) were more prevalent than bacteria (31.57%) in identified cases.
• Fusarium (53.84%) and Aspergillus (23.07%) were the most common fungi.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (83.33%) was the primary bacterial isolate.
• Farmers (66.67%) and individuals aged 21-60 were most affected.
• Higher incidence observed from November to February.

Conclusions:

• Regularly updating local microbial profiles is crucial.
• Understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns aids treatment decisions.
• Informed selection of topical treatments improves patient outcomes.