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Objectives <p>To determine the frequency and causative pathogens of infectious keratitis (IK) at Cork University Hospital, Ireland.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective review was performed of IK cases undergoing corneal scraping / swabs between 2010–2022. Specimens were identified from the laboratory information system. Microbiological profiles were analysed using culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for <i>Acanthamoeba</i>, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV).</p> Results <p>A total of 319 specimens from 288 patients were analysed (mean age 52.0 ± 25.6&#xa0;years). Overall, 189 specimens (60%) were culture positive. Polymicrobial growth was identified in 48 cases (15%). Of 198 isolates, the most frequently identified organisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (33%), <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (17%), <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (12%), <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> (8%), and Gram-negative bacilli (8%). Fungal pathogens accounted for 4% of isolates, while mixed skin flora was reported in 8%. Gram staining was performed on 105 samples, with 22 positive results—68% were concordant with culture. Viral PCR testing was performed on 48 samples, identifying HSV-1 in 5 cases (10%) and VZV in 2 cases (4%). <i>Acanthamoeba</i> testing was performed on 387 specimens from 319 patients, with <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp. detected in 33 cases (10%).</p> Conclusions <p>This is the largest study describing the microbiological profile of IK in Ireland. A high culture-positive rate (60%) with a high rate of isolation of multiple organisms (15%) were observed, likely influenced by skin commensal contaminants such as coagulase-negative Staphylococci. The proportion of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (12%) was lower than expected. No significant antimicrobial resistant isolates were identified, supporting current empiric antimicrobial treatment strategies.</p>

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12-year analysis of the microbiological profile of infectious keratitis (IK) in Cork, Ireland

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Kealan McElhinney,
  • James Donnelly,
  • Emily Glynn,
  • Anne-Marie Lanigan,
  • Eddie McCullagh,
  • Michael Prentice,
  • Tom Flynn,
  • Aaron Doherty,
  • Sarah Moran

摘要

Objectives

To determine the frequency and causative pathogens of infectious keratitis (IK) at Cork University Hospital, Ireland.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of IK cases undergoing corneal scraping / swabs between 2010–2022. Specimens were identified from the laboratory information system. Microbiological profiles were analysed using culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Acanthamoeba, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV).

Results

A total of 319 specimens from 288 patients were analysed (mean age 52.0 ± 25.6 years). Overall, 189 specimens (60%) were culture positive. Polymicrobial growth was identified in 48 cases (15%). Of 198 isolates, the most frequently identified organisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (33%), Staphylococcus aureus (17%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%), and Gram-negative bacilli (8%). Fungal pathogens accounted for 4% of isolates, while mixed skin flora was reported in 8%. Gram staining was performed on 105 samples, with 22 positive results—68% were concordant with culture. Viral PCR testing was performed on 48 samples, identifying HSV-1 in 5 cases (10%) and VZV in 2 cases (4%). Acanthamoeba testing was performed on 387 specimens from 319 patients, with Acanthamoeba spp. detected in 33 cases (10%).

Conclusions

This is the largest study describing the microbiological profile of IK in Ireland. A high culture-positive rate (60%) with a high rate of isolation of multiple organisms (15%) were observed, likely influenced by skin commensal contaminants such as coagulase-negative Staphylococci. The proportion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%) was lower than expected. No significant antimicrobial resistant isolates were identified, supporting current empiric antimicrobial treatment strategies.