Challenges in the diagnosis of microbial keratitis: A detailed review with update and general guidelines

The incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) is variable worldwide with an estimated 1.5–2 million cases of corneal ulcers in developing countries. The complications of MK can be severe and vision threatening. Therefore, proper diagnosis of the causative organism is essential for early successful treat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Saudi journal of ophthalmology 2019-07, Vol.33 (3), p.268-276
Main Authors: Alkatan, Hind M., Al-Essa, Rakan S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acanthamoeba
Aspergillus
Bacterial
Candida
Corneal abscess
Corneal ulcer
Fusarium
Herpes simplex virus
Infectious crystalline keratopathy
Keratitis
Microbial
Microsporidium
Mycotic
Polymerase chain reaction
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Summary:The incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) is variable worldwide with an estimated 1.5–2 million cases of corneal ulcers in developing countries. The complications of MK can be severe and vision threatening. Therefore, proper diagnosis of the causative organism is essential for early successful treatment. Accurate sampling of microbiological specimens in MK is an important step in identifying the infective organism. Corneal scrapping, tear samples and corneal biopsy are examples of specimens obtained for the investigative procedures in MK. Ophthalmologists especially in an emergency room setting should be aware of the proper sampling techniques based on their microbiology-related basic information for each category of MK. This review article briefly describes the clinical presentation and defines in details the best updated diagnostic methods used in different types of MK. It can be used as a guide for ophthalmology trainees and general ophthalmologists who may be handling such cases at initial presentation.
ISSN:1319-4534
2542-6680
DOI:10.1016/j.sjopt.2019.09.002