A retrospective study of fungal corneal ulcers in the south Sharqiyah region in Oman

Abstract EN

Objectives : To study the incidence, identify the risk factors and determine the predominant microorganisms and treatment regimen of fungal corneal ulcers.

Methods : This was a retrospective analysis of corneal ulcers treated in the Ophthalmology Department of Sur Hospital, Oman, undertaken from January 2004 to December 2007.

Medical and microbiology records of thirty two culture proven cases of fungal keratitis were reviewed for risk factors, laboratory findings and response to treatment.

Results : Out of the total 242 corneal ulcers, 13.22 % were fungal.

Among the 102 culture positive cases, 31.38 % were fungal isolates.

Fusarium spp (50 %) and Aspergillus spp (34.4 %) predominated in the hyaline fungal spectrum.

The important risk factors were topical steroid usage in 31.25 % of cases and ocular injury in 25 %.

The majority of cases (90.62 %) responded to 2 % ketoconazole alone or in combination with 0.15 % amphotericin B.

Conclusion : Fungal ulcer remains one of the leading causes of visual disability.

Indiscriminate use of topical steroids and ocular trauma are the most important risk factors.

Filamentous fungi are common aetiological agents in this region.

Topical ketoconazole and amphotericin B were very effective for most of the cases.