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Corneal ulceration in south-east Asia III: prevention of fungal keratitis at the village level in south India using topical antibiotics.

Author(s): Srinivasan M, Upadhyay MP, Priyadarsini B, Mahalakshmi R, Whitcher JP

Affiliation(s): Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Publication date & source: 2006-12, Br J Ophthalmol., 90(12):1472-5. Epub 2006 Aug 17.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

AIM: To determine whether topical antifungal prophylaxis distributed by paid village health workers (VHWs) in south India is necessary after corneal abrasion to prevent fungal keratitis in a population where half of the ulcers are fungal. METHODS: Two panchayaths (village administrative units in Madurai district with a combined population of 48 039 were followed prospectively for 18 months by 15 VHWs who were trained to identify post-traumatic corneal abrasions. Patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were randomised into two groups and treated with either 1% chloramphenicol and 1% clotrimazole ointment or 1% chloramphenicol and a placebo ointment three times a day for 3 days. Patients, doctors and VHWs were blinded to treatment. RESULTS: During the 18-month period, 1365 people reported to VHWs with ocular injuries, of whom 374 with corneal abrasions were eligible for treatment. Of these, 368 (98.5%) abrasions healed without complications. Two patients had mild localised allergic reactions to the ointment, two dropped out and two patients in the placebo group developed microscopic culture-negative corneal stromal infiltrates that healed in 1 week with natamycin drops. CONCLUSIONS: Both fungal and bacterial ulcers that occur after traumatic corneal abrasions seem to be effectively prevented in a village setting using only antibiotic prophylaxis.

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