{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Fungal Keratitis, Epidemiology and Outcomes in a Tropical Australian Setting.
{Author}: Kim LN;Karthik H;Proudmore KE;Kidd SE;Baird RW;
{Journal}: Trop Med Infect Dis
{Volume}: 9
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 3
{Factor}: 3.711
{DOI}: 10.3390/tropicalmed9060127
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Fungal keratitis is an ophthalmic emergency that can cause visual impairment and blindness. We reviewed the epidemiology and clinical features of fungal keratitis in a tropical Australian setting.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To document the clinical and microbiological characteristics of fungal keratitis in an Australian tropical setting.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective cohort study of patients with fungal keratitis from October 2014 to December 2022 was conducted at Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia. We reviewed all patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis and their outcomes.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>There were 31 patients identified. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) patients were of a significantly younger median age (28 years) compared to non-ATSI patients (42 years), and they also presented later to health care. Contact lens use and ocular trauma were the most common predisposing factors. Most patients presented with a corneal infiltrate and corneal epithelial defect, and the central visual axis was affected in 54% of patients. Curvularia spp. and Fusarium spp. were the commonest causative fungi (39% and 30% respectively).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Our series is different and reveals a wider range of fungal species identified over the 7 years of the study, in particular, a range of Curvularia spp. were detected. Access to eye health services in rural and remote settings is important, particularly for ATSI patients, as morbidity remains high.