Distribution and shifting trends of bacterial keratitis in north China (1989-98).

AIMS To study the distribution and shifting trends of bacterial keratitis. METHODS The data of 2220 corneal isolates from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1998 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Positive culture was recovered in 490 isolates. Gram positive cocci and Gram negative bacilli represented 51% and 39.4%, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common pathogen (32.2%). A gradual increase in the percentage of Gram positive cocci coupled with a decrease of Gram negative bacilli. CONCLUSION Pseudomonas aeruginosa and coaculase negative Staphylococcus were the most common pathogens in bacterial keratitis in north China.