Late bacterial and fungal keratitis after corneal transplantation. Spectrum of pathogens, graft survival, and visual prognosis

Ophthalmology. 1988 Oct;95(10):1450-7. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(88)33008-3.

Abstract

The authors reviewed 108 bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers that developed 1 to 72 months after penetrating keratoplasty in 79 eyes of 78 patients. Graft hypesthesia, topical corticosteroid and antibiotic treatment, exposed sutures, epithelial defects, and poor visual acuity commonly predated infectious keratitis. There were 69 bacterial, 34 fungal, and 5 combined infections. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most common pathogens. Follow-up after infection averaged 23 months (range, 1-80 months). Despite hospitalization and fortified topical antibiotic treatment, complications such as wound dehiscence and corneal perforation necessitated emergency regraft in 38 (35%) cases. Of 73 previously clear grafts, only 29 (40%) retained clarity. Median visual acuity, 20/200 before infection, fell to counting fingers at last follow-up; 12 eyes lost light perception.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections* / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections* / microbiology
  • Bacterial Infections* / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Corneal Transplantation*
  • Corneal Ulcer* / drug therapy
  • Corneal Ulcer* / microbiology
  • Corneal Ulcer* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoses* / drug therapy
  • Mycoses* / microbiology
  • Mycoses* / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids