Pneumococcal keratitis: a clinical profile.

Abstract

AIM:

To study the clinical features of pneumococcal keratitis and response to ciprofloxacin therapy.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 58 patients with culture-proven pneumococcal keratitis seen over a period of 2 years.

RESULTS:

Pneumococcal keratitis accounted for 33.3% of bacterial keratitis. Most cases presented with non-severe keratitis (77.5%). Co-existing sac pathology was more frequent in pneumococcal ulcers as compared to non-pneumococcal bacterial ulcers (50%vs 9%, P < 0.001). Characteristic clinical features enabling an accurate clinical diagnosis were found in 27.5% and lanceolate diplococci on Gram's stain were identified in 76% of cases. In vitro testing showed a high susceptibility to cephazolin and ciprofloxacin. All patients received ciprofloxacin as first-line therapy. Eighty per cent responded well with complete healing of the ulcer. A second drug was required in 8.5%.

CONCLUSION:

Ciprofloxacin therapy can be effective in the treatment of pneumococcal keratitis.

• Authors: Pragya Parmar, Amjad Salman, C Munusamy Kalavathy, C A Nelson Jesudasan, Philip A Thomas
• Journal: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology (Clin Exp Ophthalmol) Vol. 31 Issue 1 Pg. 44-7 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 1442-6404 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 12580893 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Ciprofloxacin

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (therapeutic use)
• Ciprofloxacin (therapeutic use)
• Cornea (microbiology)
• Corneal Ulcer (diagnosis, drug therapy, microbiology)
• Dacryocystitis (microbiology, surgery)
• Dacryocystorhinostomy
• Eye Infections, Bacterial (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pneumococcal Infections (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (isolation & purification)