Laboratory diagnosis of keratomycosis: comparative evaluation of direct microscopy and culture results.
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.
Vajpayee
R B
RB
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
Angra
S K
SK
Sandramouli
S
S
Honavar
S G
SG
Chhabra
V K
VK
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
D000935:Antifungal Agents