Management of Infective Corneal Ulcer: Epidemiology Needs To Be Evaluated As Priority Basis.

ABSTRACT

Because of known and unknown etiology, management of ocular devastating situation like corneal ulcer is still a challenge for the Ophthalmologists. The cross sectional study was designed for detection of predisposing factor and identification of causal agent. To serve the above purpose, a cross sectional study was performed among 140 patients of the corneal ulcer at Dr K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, Mymensingh and Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Detail history of patient was taken and recorded in a pretest questionnaire sheet. Two pieces of sample were collected from each corneal ulcer patient. One sample was examined in KOH wet mount for fungus. Other sample was nourished into nutrient broth and for further culture and identification. Bacterial corneal ulcer was higher among the patient of age group ≥46 years (61.9%) followed by 31-45 years (21.5%). P value is 0.261. Males were found predominant (58.5%). P value is 0.13. Agricultural related work was identified as most risky occupation in 83.1% of the total bacteria positive samples. P value is 0.01. Trauma was noted as most predominant influencing factor (56.9%). P value is <0.05. Bacteria were identified in 65(46.4%) and fungus in 40(28.6%) samples. Pseudomonas species were predominant (52.3%) followed by Staphylococcus species (26, 2%) and Streptococcus species (21.5%). No mixed infection was identified. For easier and earlier diagnosis of corneal ulcer, information about epidemiology is very essential. History should be taken meticulously followed by the laboratory procedures.