Detection of fungi by conventional methods and semi-nested PCR in patients with presumed fungal keratitis

Background and Purpose: Fungal keratitis is a suppurative, ulcerative, and sight-threatening infection of the cornea that sometimes leads to blindness. The aims of this study were: recuperating facilities for laboratory diagnosis, determining the causative microorganisms, and comparing conventional laboratory diagnostic tools and semi-nested PCR. Materials and Methods: Sampling was conducted in patients with suspected fungal keratitis. Two corneal scrapings specimens, one for direct smear and culture and the other for semi- nested PCR were obtained. Results: Of the ۴۰ expected cases of mycotic keratitis, calcofluor white staining showed positivity in ۲۵%, culture in ۱۷.۵%, KOH in ۱۰%, and semi-nested PCR in ۲۷.۵%. The sensitivities of semi-nested PCR, KOH, and CFW were ۵۷.۱%, ۲۸.۵%, and ۴۲% while the specificities were ۷۸.۷%, ۹۴%, and ۷۸.۷%, respectively. The time taken for PCR assay was ۴ to ۸ hours, whereas positive fungal cultures took at least ۵ to ۷ days. Conclusion: Due to the increasing incidence of fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, uninformed using of topical corticosteroids and improper use of contact lens, fast diagnosis and accurate treatment of keratomycosis seems to be essential. Therefore, according to the current study, molecular methods can detect mycotic keratitis early and correctly leading to appropriate treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Diagnosis ، Keratitis ، Nested PCR