European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Corneal blindness is the fourth most common cause of blindness in the world (5.1%) and the significant causes are ulceration of cornea and trauma of eyes. The importance of microbiological evaluation of an etiological component and antibiotic sensitivity is very important. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate sociodemographic risk variables, assess the diagnostic value of Gram staining, the responsible microorganisms, and examine the antibiotic sensitivity profile of bacterial isolates in this tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital and was observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional in nature. Before collecting data, Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval was obtained. 100 patients with corneal ulcers having an infectious aetiology were included in the study. Results: Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. The highest incidence of corneal ulcers was observed in industrial labours (32%), followed by housewives (24%). Staphylococcus epidermidis (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%) were the major organisms isolated in corneal ulcers. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV of Gram staining with culture as a gold standard in present were 66.32%, 97.11%, 97.89% and 64.75%, respectively. Bacterial isolates were sensitive to Sparfloxacin (88%) followed by Ciprofloxacin (72%) and Netilmycin (64%). Bacterial isolates were resistant to Penicillin (83%) followed by Carbenicillin (70%) and Piperacillin (69%). Conclusion: Gram stain findings, culture data, and in-vitro tests of antibiotic sensitivity from microbiological work up can all be very helpful in determining the best course of treatment for bacterial keratitis.