title: Late bacterial and fungal keratitis after corneal transplantation. Spectrum of pathogens, graft survival, and visual prognosis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Stulting
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Waring
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids