Epidemiology and Outcomes of Kocuria Keratitis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the characteristics of infectious keratitis caused by Kocuria spp.

METHODS

Retrospective case series. Information included demographic data, medical history, risk factors associated with infectious keratitis, clinical characteristics, microbiological results and drug sensitivity, clinical course, management, and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included (7 females and 1 male; mean age, 66.2 years; age range, 42-84 years). All patients presented risk factors for infectious complications, such as filamentous keratitis, dry eye, blepharitis, and persistent corneal edema. In all cases, ulcers were classified as severe. The infection resolved with medical treatment in one eye only. One case was treated with amniotic membrane graft. Two patients required keratoplasty (lamellar and penetrating), and one case needed sclerokeratoplasty. In three cases, the keratitis was severe enough to require evisceration. The final visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to no light perception.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial keratitis by Kocuria spp. is a rare infection that may have an unexpected clinical course and possible serious outcomes. This pathogen should be considered in patients with unusual clinical course. Local or systemic immune compromise in the genesis of the disease must also be taken into account, and ophthalmologists should be more suspicious in this vulnerable group of patients.