The Role of Direct Smear Testing in the Management of Bacterial and Fungal Corneal Ulcers

摘要

To ascertain the importance of routine smear test in the management of infective corneal ulcer, a randomized study was done among 67 consecutive corneal ulcer cases. The smears were prepared on corneal scrapings from 34 corneal ulcers for bacterial and fungal organisms. Positive Gram stains were obtained from 17 cases and on KOH wet mount preparation, 3 cases were positive for fungal organisms. Specific antimicrobial therapy was started in 20 cases. Smears negative 14 cases and 33 control cases received broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage. Initial antimicrobial therapy was modified based on clinical course in 11.8% of smear tested and in 27.3% of non-smear tested eyes that demonstrated a worsening clinical course. Routine smear tests are simple and quick procedure and important in the effective management of corneal ulcer.