Microbial Keratitis in Nepal: Predicting the Microbial Aetiology from Clinical Features.

ABSTRACT: Fungal corneal infection (keratitis) is a common clinical problem in South Asia. However, it is often challenging to distinguish this from other aetiologies, such as bacteria or acanthamoeba. In this prospective study, we investigated clinical and epidemiological features that can predict the microbial aetiology of microbial keratitis in Nepal. We recruited patients presenting with keratitis to a tertiary eye hospital in lowland eastern Nepal between June 2019 and November 2020. A structured assessment, including demographics, history, and clinical signs, was carried out. The aetiology was investigated with in vivo confocal microscopy and corneal scrape for microscopy and culture. A predictor score was developed using odds ratios calculated to predict aetiology from features. A fungal caus

SUBMITTER: Hoffman JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8879647 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature