Epidemiological profile of mycotic keratitis in a tertiary care center of eastern Odisha

Context: Mycotic keratitis presents as an ophthalmic problem causing visual disability due to its protracted course and unfavorable response. People of low socioeconomic classes who often come in contact with fungal spores during day to day activities suffer from this infection more often. Aims: To study the magnitude of fungal corneal ulcer, identify the risk factors, identify the predominant etiological agents in this region. Settings and Design: Type of study—observational This was a cross-sectional hospital based study. Materials and Methods: We collected 50 number of corneal scraping samples from patients clinically suspected to have fungal corneal ulcer within the age group 15–60 years. Direct microscopy of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, gram staining, fungal culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media were performed. Results: Fungal isolates were obtained in 32% of cases of which 68.75% were male. Predominant age group was 30–45 years (56.25%). Majority of patients (68.75%) belong to low socioeconomic class. The most common risk factor was trauma with vegetative matter in 62.5% of cases. Predominant fungal isolate was Aspergillus spp. in 43.75% followed by fusarium, candida, and curvullaria spp . Conclusions: Because of the serious consequences of infectious keratitis, it is important to know the exact etiology to institute appropriate therapy in time. Laboratory confirmation should be under taken to rule out fungal infection before prescribing corticosteroid and antibacterial antibiotics.