Epidemiological and Microbiological Profile of Infectious Keratitis in Rural West Bengal

ABSTRACT Keratitis, the inflammation of the cornea, remains a global healthcare challenge, particularly in regions with limited medical infrastructure. This study aimed to document the incidence, aetiology, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes of various infectious and non-infectious keratitis types. A clinical investigation was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026 across optometry clinics in the North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. From an initial screening of 237 patients, 71 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Detailed ocular histories and risk factors were analysed, excluding patients with ectatic disorders, dystrophies, or degenerations. Results revealed that 74.65% (n=53) of cases were infectious, while 25.35% (n=18) were non-infectious. Fungal keratitis was the most prevalent infectious subtype (29.58%), with filamentary keratitis leading the non-infectious group (11.27%). Notably, 60.56% of fungal keratitis patients were agricultural workers, frequently citing vegetative trauma as a primary risk factor. The study underscores that early; accurate diagnosis is critical to preventing permanent vision loss. Implementing large-scale public awareness programs, particularly targeting rural agricultural populations in West Bengal, is essential to encourage prompt treatment-seeking behaviour and reduce the burden of corneal blindness. Keywords: Keratitis, Fungal Keratitis, North 24 Parganas, Agricultural Risk Factors, Blindness Prevention.