Abstract：
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and associated lockdown measures influenced microbial keratitis in Taiwan by comparing demographic data, predisposing factors, pathogen profiles, and treatment outcomes in 2019 and 2020.
METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with microbial keratitis at National Chung Kung University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were examined, focusing on patient demographics, predisposing factors, isolated pathogens, antibiotic usage, and clinical progress.
RESULTS: No significant differences were found in patient sex, laterality, or average age between the two years. Predisposing factors, such as contact lens use and chronic ocular/systemic disorders, remained unchanged. While fungal isolates slightly increased during the lockdown, bacterial isolates remained consistent. Medical treatment effectiveness, treatment strategies, and antibiotic susceptibility for common bacteria showed no significant alterations.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and lockdown measures, this study revealed minimal changes in microbial keratitis trends in Taiwan. This highlights the importance of maintaining access to medical care during crises and offers insights into potential treatment strategies for patients facing difficulties in receiving timely care. Further research should investigate the pandemic\'s impact on healthcare access and patient outcomes in various populations and regions.
METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with microbial keratitis at National Chung Kung University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were examined, focusing on patient demographics, predisposing factors, isolated pathogens, antibiotic usage, and clinical progress.
RESULTS: No significant differences were found in patient sex, laterality, or average age between the two years. Predisposing factors, such as contact lens use and chronic ocular/systemic disorders, remained unchanged. While fungal isolates slightly increased during the lockdown, bacterial isolates remained consistent. Medical treatment effectiveness, treatment strategies, and antibiotic susceptibility for common bacteria showed no significant alterations.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and lockdown measures, this study revealed minimal changes in microbial keratitis trends in Taiwan. This highlights the importance of maintaining access to medical care during crises and offers insights into potential treatment strategies for patients facing difficulties in receiving timely care. Further research should investigate the pandemic\'s impact on healthcare access and patient outcomes in various populations and regions.
摘要：
目的：本研究旨在通过比较人口统计数据，评估SARS-CoV-2大流行和相关的封锁措施如何影响台湾的微生物性角膜炎，诱发因素,病原体概况,以及2019年和2020年的治疗结果。
方法：检查了2019年1月至2020年12月在国立中公大学医院诊断为微生物性角膜炎的患者的数据，关注患者的人口统计学，诱发因素,分离的病原体，抗生素的使用，和临床进展。
结果：患者性别无显著差异，偏侧性,或平均年龄在两年之间。诱发因素,如隐形眼镜使用和慢性眼部/系统性疾病，保持不变。虽然在封锁期间真菌分离株略有增加，细菌分离物保持一致。医疗效果，治疗策略,对常见细菌的抗生素敏感性无明显变化。
结论：尽管SARS-CoV-2大流行和封锁措施带来了挑战，这项研究揭示了台湾微生物性角膜炎趋势的最小变化.这突出了在危机期间保持获得医疗护理的重要性，并为面临及时护理困难的患者提供了潜在治疗策略的见解。进一步的研究应调查大流行对不同人群和地区的医疗服务获取和患者预后的影响。
方法：检查了2019年1月至2020年12月在国立中公大学医院诊断为微生物性角膜炎的患者的数据，关注患者的人口统计学，诱发因素,分离的病原体，抗生素的使用，和临床进展。
结果：患者性别无显著差异，偏侧性,或平均年龄在两年之间。诱发因素,如隐形眼镜使用和慢性眼部/系统性疾病，保持不变。虽然在封锁期间真菌分离株略有增加，细菌分离物保持一致。医疗效果，治疗策略,对常见细菌的抗生素敏感性无明显变化。
结论：尽管SARS-CoV-2大流行和封锁措施带来了挑战，这项研究揭示了台湾微生物性角膜炎趋势的最小变化.这突出了在危机期间保持获得医疗护理的重要性，并为面临及时护理困难的患者提供了潜在治疗策略的见解。进一步的研究应调查大流行对不同人群和地区的医疗服务获取和患者预后的影响。
