Common Etiological Agents Causing Keratitis: A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Corneal blindness is considered to be a serious public health problem worldwide. It is estimated that 1.2–2 million cases of corneal blindness occur globally in a year and 90% of them are from developing countries (Chirambo et al., 1986; Whitcher et al., 1997). A survey by the Government of India estimates that corneal lesions are responsible for significant blindness cases (National Survery on Blindness, 1999 – 2001). Infectious agents are predominantly responsible for corneal blindness due to keratitis by bacteria and fungi among which fungi occupies highest place in the test (Allan et al., 1995). Corneal ulcers are responsible for 9% cases of blindness in India. Prompt isolation, identification and treatment are mandatory in case of infections Keratitis International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 7 (2017) pp. 1625-1633 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com