Microbiological study of infectious keratitis at Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital

Background Infectious keratitis remains a significant cause of vision impairment worldwide, particularly in developing countries like Vietnam, where socio-economic factors and environmental conditions contribute to its prevalence. PurposesThis study aims to investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, and microbiological causes of infectious keratitis at Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, Vietnam, from August 2019 to January 2020. Methods A descriptive study of 56 cases was analyzed using microbiological tests, including smear microscopy, culture, and RT-PCR. Results Bacterial and fungal pathogens were the most common causes of infection, each responsible for approximately 35.71% of cases, with 17.86% exhibiting polymicrobial infections. Risk factors for infectious keratitis included trauma, systemic conditions like diabetes, and ocular conditions such as previous herpetic keratitis. Furthermore, RT-PCR was found to be more sensitive than traditional culture methods in detecting bacterial pathogens. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of timely intervention and improved diagnostic methods to mitigate the burden of infectious keratitis in Vietnam.