title: Laboratory diagnosis of keratomycosis: comparative evaluation of direct microscopy and culture results.
abstract: In a prospective study, we evaluated the sensitivities of direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide 10% wet-mount preparations and culture for definitive diagnosis of keratomycosis in 171 clinically suspected fungal corneal ulcers. Although cultures were positive in 88 eyes (51.46%), the fungus could be demonstrated by KOH preparation in 94.3% (83 of 88) of the culture-proved cases and 93.6% (160 of 171) of the overall eyes. Direct microscopic examination of a KOH wet-mount preparation is a rapid, reliable, and superior technique of laboratory diagnosis. It is particularly important for the early initiation of antifungal treatment in mycotic keratitis.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Vajpayee
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Angra
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sandramouli
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Honavar
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Chhabra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents