TY - JOUR A1 - Bharathi, M A1 - Ramakrishnan, R A1 - Vasu, S A1 - Meenakshi, R A1 - Palaniappan, R T1 - Epidemiological characteristics and laboratory diagnosis of fungal keratitis. A three-year study Y1 - 2003/10/1 JF - Indian Journal of Ophthalmology JO - Indian J Ophthalmol SP - 315 EP - 321 VL - 51 IS - 4 UR - https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2003;volume=51;issue=4;spage=315;epage=321;aulast=Bharathi N2 - Purpose: To study the epidemiological characteristics and laboratory diagnosis of fungal keratitis seen at a tertiary eye care referral centre in South India. Methods: A retrospective review of all culture-proven fungal keratitis seen over a 3-year period, September 1999 through August 2002. Results: Fungal aetiology were confirmed in1095(34.4%) of 3183 corneal ulcers. The predominant fungal species isolated was Fusarium spp (471; 42.82%) followed by Aspergillus spp (286; 26%). Males (712; 65.08%) were more often affected (P< 0.0001). A large proportion of the patients (732; 66.85%) were in the younger age group (21 to 50 years). A majority (879; 80.27%) came from rural areas (P<0.0001), and most patients (709; 64.75%) were farmers (P<0.0001). Ocular trauma (1009; 92.15%) was a highly significant risk factor (P<0.0001) and vegetative injuries (671; 61.28%) were identified as a significant cause for fungal keratitis (P<0.0001). 172 (15.71%) patients had concurrent diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount preparation was higher (99.23%) than Gram-stained smear (88.73%) (P<0.0001). Incidence of fungal keratitis was higher between June and September. Conclusion: Agricultural activity and related ocular trauma were principal causes of mycotic keratitis. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount preparation is a simple, and sensitive, method for diagnosis. ER -