Ten-Year Analysis Of Microbial Keratitis Trends In Kent
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PP07.03 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/m0m6-q155
Authors: Imran Karim Janmohamed* 1 , Chloe Robson 2 , Lana Fu 2 , Mohamed Elalfy 3 , Sundas Maqsood 1
1Ophthalmology,Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust,Maidstone,United Kingdom, 2Ophthalmology,Kent and Canterbury Hospital,Canterbury,United Kingdom, 3Ophthalmology,Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust,Maidstone,United Kingdom;Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank,Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,East Grinstead,United Kingdom;Cornea Unit,Research Institute of Ophthalmology,Giza,Egypt
Purpose
To analyse the ten-year epidemiology, microbial patterns, and antibiotic susceptibility trends of microbial keratitis in Kent, with specific focus on comparing regional variations between West and East Kent regions. This comprehensive analysis aims to inform local treatment protocols and contribute to the understanding of geographical variations in microbial keratitis within the United Kingdom.
Setting
NHS Trusts across West and East Kent, United Kingdom between January 2014 and December 2024.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of microbiology service records and medical documentation was conducted across participating NHS Trusts in Kent. All corneal scrape samples and their corresponding microbiological profiles, including culture results and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, were reviewed. Data was analyzed for regional variations between West and East Kent.
Results
The study identified a mean incidence of 3.2 cases per 100,000 population/year, with a mean patient age of 59±21 years. Of 823 corneal scrapes, 43% were culture-positive, with 2.9% showing polymicrobial growth. The microbial profile comprised 33% Gram-positive bacteria, 36% Gram-negative bacteria, 4.7% fungi, and 1.5% Acanthamoeba spp. Regional variations showed Pseudomonas spp. predominance (46%) in West Kent versus Staphylococcus spp. (32%) in East Kent. Decreasing fluoroquinolone sensitivity to Pseudomonas spp. was observed over time.
Conclusions
While the overall microbial keratitis profile in Kent aligns with other UK regions, significant regional variations exist within the county. The concerning trend of fluoroquinolone resistance highlights the importance of local microbiological profiling in guiding empirical treatment choices. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific treatment protocols based on local resistance patterns rather than applying broad national guidelines.