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Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Sridhar, MS; Sharma, S; Reddy, MK; Mruthyunjay, P; Rao, GN
Published in: Cornea
January 1998

PURPOSE: To present the clinical profile, laboratory results, and outcome of treatment in 16 patients with Nocardia keratitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of 16 culture-proven cases of Nocardia keratitis was done. Clinical and microbiologic data were analyzed. RESULTS: Nocardia constituted 1.7% of laboratory-confirmed bacterial keratitis and was seen predominantly in male subjects (13 of 16) with a mean age of 39.1 years. Although the predisposing factor was unknown in the majority, a definite history of trauma was present in four (25%) cases. Patchy stromal infiltrates were seen in 12 patients. Wreath pattern of infiltrates (six of 16) and hypopyon (nine of 16) were notable features. Nocardia was detectable in corneal scrapings of 10 patients with Gram stain and all patients with 1% acid-fast preparation (six of six). Nocardia asteroides was the causative agent in all except one (N. caviae). All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin; however, topical 30% sulfacetamide was the preferred drug for treatment. Favorable outcome (healed scar) was achieved in 11. CONCLUSION: Although Nocardia keratitis is a rare condition, a high index of clinical suspicion should be kept in agricultural workers or in patients with trauma who have patchy stromal infiltrates. Sulfonamides are the initial drug of choice, and gentamicin could be an effective alternative. If recognized early, Nocardia keratitis responds to medical treatment with good visual recovery.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Cornea

DOI

ISSN

0277-3740

Publication Date

January 1998

Volume

17

Issue

1

Start / End Page

17 / 22

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Sulfacetamide
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Nocardia asteroides
  • Nocardia Infections
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Follow-Up Studies
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Sridhar, M. S., Sharma, S., Reddy, M. K., Mruthyunjay, P., & Rao, G. N. (1998). Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis. Cornea, 17(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003226-199801000-00003
Sridhar, M. S., S. Sharma, M. K. Reddy, P. Mruthyunjay, and G. N. Rao. “Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis.Cornea 17, no. 1 (January 1998): 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003226-199801000-00003.
Sridhar MS, Sharma S, Reddy MK, Mruthyunjay P, Rao GN. Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis. Cornea. 1998 Jan;17(1):17–22.
Sridhar, M. S., et al. “Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis.Cornea, vol. 17, no. 1, Jan. 1998, pp. 17–22. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/00003226-199801000-00003.
Sridhar MS, Sharma S, Reddy MK, Mruthyunjay P, Rao GN. Clinicomicrobiological review of Nocardia keratitis. Cornea. 1998 Jan;17(1):17–22.

Published In

Cornea

DOI

ISSN

0277-3740

Publication Date

January 1998

Volume

17

Issue

1

Start / End Page

17 / 22

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Sulfacetamide
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Nocardia asteroides
  • Nocardia Infections
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Follow-Up Studies