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Atypical mycobacterial keratitis: Clinical outcome in nonrefractive surgery cases

Priyadarshini K, Priyadarshini SR, Sahu SK, Behera HS, Das S

Indian journal of ophthalmology, 2025

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify the predisposing factors, clinico-microbiological profiles, and treatment responses in patients with atypical mycobacterial keratitis.

METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed patients who presented at a tertiary eyecare center in eastern India with atypical mycobacterial keratitis between 2008 and 2021. The diagnostic criteria included cases positive for acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl-Nielsen stain or culture. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was observed, and treatment was initiated accordingly.

RESULTS: Out of the 29 cases, ocular predisposing factors were present in 62.1% with an antecedent history of trauma, and vegetative matter was the most common risk factor. There was no predisposing association with systemic conditions in any case. A long lag time was observed between the onset of corneal infection and presentation in 79.3% of cases, with the average time being 43.7 days. Clinical signs mimicked fungal keratitis in most cases. Typical cracked windshield appearance was only observed in two cases. Two patients presented with clinical pictures like peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Topical amikacin was used as treatment in 28 cases. Based on disk diffusion assay, 28 (96.5%) isolates were sensitive to amikacin. Twelve (41.3%) were sensitive to vancomycin, six (20.6%) to gatifloxacin, six (20.6%) to ciprofloxacin, and four (13.7%) to moxifloxacin. Twelve participants showed good final visual acuity posttreatment, which improved to over two lines…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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