Comparison of Culture Results between Specimens from Corneal Scraping with Microhomogenization and Corneal Swab in Moderate and Severe Bacterial Corneal Ulcers

Abstract

Purpose: To compare bacterial culture results from corneal infiltrate specimens taken by corneal scrapping followed by microhomogenization and direct scraping methods. Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional, with 18 subjects divided into two randomized groups; Group A (first scrapings then swab), and group B (first swab then scrapings). Both scraping and swab methods are separated and then compared in data analysis. Results: The proportion of Gram according to culture in the scraping-microhomogenization technique was 6/13 (46.2%) and the proportion of Gram according to cultures in the swab technique was 5/13 (38.5%). McNemar test p-value is 1.000 (p>0.05). The proportion of positive cultures in the scraping-microhomogenization technique was 13/18 (72.2%) and the proportion of positive culture in swab technique was 9/18 (50%). McNemar test p-value is 0.219 (p> 0.05). The Kappa suitability test value from scraping-microhomogenization technique against the corneal swab is 0.333. Conclusion: The results of bacterial culture from specimens taken by the corneal scraping followed by microhomogenization have a higher positive culture compared to those taken by corneal swab, but not statistically significant. Keywords: bacterial cultures, scraping, microhomogenization, corneal swab