THE ROLE OF CULTURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE KERATITIS

Purpose, To ascertain the importance of routine cultures and gram stai ns in the management of ulcerative keratitis. Methods, We retrospectiv ely reviewed 119 consecutive corneal ulcers seen at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Cultures were obtained of the corneal ulcer and of the lids and conjunctivae of both eyes. Gram stains were performed by the hosp ital microbiology department on corneal scrapings from each ulcer. Res ults. Positive corneal cultures were obtained from 56 eyes (47.1%). In itial antibiotic therapy was changed based on culture results in 14.3% of culture-positive eyes that demonstrated a worsening clinical cours e. Gram stains were negative in all cases. The sensitivity and specifi city of the lid and conjunctival cultures were determined. Conclusions , Corneal cultures are important in the management of ulcerative kerat itis.