DR. RAKHI P DCRUZ

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge and skills of clinicians in distinguishing cases of Pythium keratitis from fungal keratitis based on the clinical appearance.

Methods and Results: A total of 42 cornea specialists participated in the online photographic survey which included 28 consultants and 14 cornea fellows.Clinicians were able to differentiate etiology in only 56% of cases.Sensitivity specificty,positive and negative predictive values of differentiaiting pythium from fungus according to our study was 56%,65%,56%and 66% respectively.The specific clinical features enlisted were the presence of tentacles, peripheral guttering, dot-like infiltrates and elevated plaques.

Conclusion: Pythium keratitis is often misdiagnosed as typical mycotic keratitis with a different treatment.Clinical knowledge regarding the signs and the microbiological identifying features of PK are still lacking among clinicians,is imperative to enhance the knowledge and diagnosing ability regarding PyK.

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