Profile of fungal keratitis in a Sub-Himalayan territory of north India

Aim: To study the microbiological and epidemiological profile of patients with suppurative corneal ulcer presenting in a rural referral center situated Sub-Himalayan territory north India. The was conducted to evaluate epidemiology frequency mycotic keratitis among identify various fungal species as etiological agents.
 Methods: Corneal scrapings from 56 ulcers were subjected direct microscopy culture.
 Results: Of cases investigated, etiology identified 18 (32%) cases. Most (82.1%) worked agriculture. Trivial trauma vegetative matter most common predisposing factor. Fusarium Acremonium fungi isolated, followed by Aspergillus. Four rare caused Paecilomyces lilacinus, Scedosporium apiospermum, Monilia sitophila, Ulocladium detected. smear positive (10% KOH wet mount) but culture negative. Analysis mount done using gold standard. sensitivity specificity 71.43% 90.48%, respectively.
 Conclusion: Direct has greater diagnostic value management ulcer. authors have observed changes pattern organisms cause region. Rare may also be detected if are collected for all than 2 mm.