FUNGAL KERATITIS IN SAUDI-ARABIA

We studied a total of 27 cases of fungal keratitis is Saudi Arabia. History of trauma was found in 9 patients, and previous use of topical steroids in 6 patients. In the majority of patients the onset of the disease was in fall and spring. The most frequent cause of fungal keratitis was found to be Aspergillus spp., and these were isolated from 11 cases (41%). Eight of the 11 isolates were Aspergillus flavus. Other causes of keratomycosis included: Fusarium, Candida, and Mycelia sterilia. All patients were treated with antifungal therapy and 18 patients required surgical intervention. Vision improved among 11 patients, remained the same in 4 patients, and deteriorated after treatment in 6 patients. (6 patients failed to return for follow-up.) Four of the 27 patients developed fungal endophthalmitis. The high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. may be due to the fact that spores of Aspergillus can survive the hot and dry weather of Saudi Arabia.