Comparison of pseudomonas aeruginosa serotypes in human keratitis isolates from India and the United States

Purpose To determine if geographic differences exist in P. aeruginosa subtypes causing bacterial keratitis. Methods: To aeruginosa isolates were serotyped by the O-antigen cell wall moiety according to the IATS classification 17 serotypcs m 3 subgroups are available: A' O1-5, B: 06-9,13,14; C: 010-12,15-17. We compared 82 cases of P aeraginosa keratitis isolated from the New York metropolitan area to 28 similar isolates from Hyderabad, India. Results: New York Hyderabad, India Group A 52 (63%) 13 (46%) Group R 19 (23%) 6 (21%) Group C 11 (13%) 9 (32%) Group A was the most frequently isolated subgroup from both geographic regions. Serofype OI was the most common subtype identified in both New York City (49%,40/82) and Hyderabad, (25%,7/28) respectively Group C subtypes were much mote commonly identified in the isolates from India. This difference was statisticalh significant Serotype 015 in Hyderabad (7%, 2/28) and scrotype Ol 1 in New york (4%, 3/82} were the most common group C subtypes isolated Conclusions: Serotyping of P. aervginosa isolates demonslrate geographic specificity Ihe clinical significance of these findings is at present unclear and is undergoing further study.