Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Microbiological profiles of fungal keratitis: a 10-year study at a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: Given the rise in cases of fungal keratitis in recent years, this study was performed to better elucidate the microbiological profile, risk factors, and surgical intervention rates of fungal keratitis at a tertiary referral center in the Southeastern USA.

FINDINGS: This is a retrospective case series of fungal keratitis infections treated at Duke University Eye Center from January 1, 1998, to October 6, 2008. Of the 4651 culture-proven corneal ulcers identified, 63 (1.4 %) were positive for fungal keratitis with a total of 69 fungal organisms isolated. The majority of isolates were filamentous species (44 of 69, 64 %), and the most commonly isolated organism was Curvularia (11 of 69, 16 %). Bacterial coinfections were found in 24 of the 63 cases (38 %). The most commonly associated risk factors were contact lens wear (n = 15, 24 %) and prior penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) (n = 15, 24 %). Twenty-three cases (37 %) required surgical intervention. The rate of surgical intervention was highest in patients with prior PKP (7/15, 47 %).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the leading risk factors for fungal keratitis were contact lens wear and prior PKP. Filamentous species were the most common causative pathogens. A relatively high rate of mixed bacterial-fungal infections was found. Patients with prior PKP were more likely to require surgery than patients without history of keratoplasties.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

Related Resources

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app