Dr.DEVENDRA KUMAR YADAV

DR. M. VANATHI, DR. NOOPUR GUPTA, DR.ABHIJEET BENIWAL, DR. (MRS.) RADHIKA TANDON

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate posaconazole (PCZ)1% in fungal keratitis

Method : Prospective case-control study of chronic fungal keratitis: cases on topical PCZ1% & controls-conventional therapy Antifungal susceptibility test (E-test) was done for Amphotericin B, Natamycin & azoles. Study parameters included healing response & success to medical therapy.

Result : Of 25 patients in PCZ group, 15(60%) were culture positive [Fusarium spp. 6(40%), Aspergillus spp. 5(33%), Penicillium spp. 2 (13.3%), Cladosporium 1(6.66%) & Alternaria 1(6.66%). Of 25 controls, 22(88%) were culture positive. None of moderate keratitis needed TPK; 2 (14%) of 14 in PCZ group & 3 (20%) of 15 in controls of severe keratitis needed TPK. Total healing time in the cases (n=23) was 18±4.28 days & in controls (n=22) was 20±5.70 days. PCZ MIC values was lowest among all antimycotics in both groups.

Conclusion : Topical PCZ 1% therapy is as efficacious as conventional therapy with a much lower MIC in chronic fungal keratitis.