Original Article August 21, 2024 August 21, 2024

Analysis of the clinical-epidemiological profile of infectious keratitis in an ophthalmological emergency service

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20240046

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate patients’ clinical-epidemiological profile and causative agents of infectious keratitis on patients submitted to culture obtained from corneal smears in an ophthalmological emergency in a reference hospital.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of medical records and corneal culture examination results. The data were collected after the approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee.

Results:

Most patients were male, with an average age of 47.6 years old, Caucasian ethnicity, low level of education, and from the Greater Florianópolis area. Ocular trauma was the main observed risk factor. Positive culture results were obtained in 43.6% of cases, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the main identified agent. Clinical treatment was the initial approach in most cases.

Conclusion:

Infectious keratitis is a serious disease, and up-to-date knowledge is necessary for early diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease.