Microbial Keratitis in Southern Arizona.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Microbial keratitis data is scarce in Southwestern US, particularly Southern Arizona.
• Understanding local demographic and causative factors is vital for targeted interventions.
• Previous studies lack focus on socioeconomic and behavioral associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic, social, and clinical factors associated with microbial keratitis in Southern Arizona.
• To identify common microbial pathogens causing keratitis in the region.
• To inform preventative strategies and public health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of microbial keratitis cases (>17 years old) from 2017-2022.
• Analysis of patient demographics, ocular factors, and microbial culture results.
• Comparison of demographic findings with US Census data using Fisher's exact tests.

Main Results:

• 272 eyes from 268 patients reviewed; unemployment (50.4%) and homelessness (8.2%) were overrepresented.
• Drug use (22.4%), contact lens wear (33.1%), and ocular trauma (14.7%) were significant associated factors.
• Bacterial pathogens dominated (96.5%), with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being most common; fungal isolates were rare (3.4%).

Conclusions:

• Microbial keratitis in Southern Arizona is strongly linked to socioeconomic factors like unemployment, homelessness, and drug use.
• Contact lens wear, especially overnight use, is a prevalent risk factor, necessitating patient education on safe practices.
• Findings highlight the need for societal interventions and evaluation of these risk factors in other communities to reduce the burden of microbial keratitis.