Aims: To study the distribution and shifting trends of bacterial keratitis.
Methods: The data of 2220 corneal isolates from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1998 were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: Positive culture was recovered in 490 isolates. Gram positive cocci and Gram negative bacilli represented 51% and 39.4%, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common pathogen (32.2%). A gradual increase in the percentage of Gram positive cocci coupled with a decrease of Gram negative bacilli.
Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and coaculase negative Staphylococcus were the most common pathogens in bacterial keratitis in north China.