Epidemiology of Staphylococcus epidermidis Keratitis

Purposes : Staphylococcus epidermidis is a causative agent of bacterial keratitis and the authors performed an epidemiologic study to identify the risk factors, clinical features and treatment results. Methods : Epidemiologic study on Staphylococcus epidermidis keratitis, which were confirmed by cultures in 6 university hospitals, was performed prospectively under the identical protocol. Results : Seventeen cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis keratitis were diagnosed by culture with corneal scraping and comprised 4.1% of 401 cases of confirmed bacterial keratitis. Male patients were affected more than female patients and the highest prevalent age was in the seventies. Most of their occupation was farming. The most prevalent season was fall and it mostly occurred after corneal trauma. Conclusions : Staphylococcus epidermidis keratitis usually occurred in a relatively old age group followed by corneal trauma. Its prevention along with early and proper antimicrobial therapy based on sensitivity results is important.