Dr.Saroj Gupta
Aspergillus and Fusarium are the two most common species causing fungal keratitis. Dematiaceous fungi are the third most frequent cause of fungal keratitis. They are unique owing to the presence of melanin in their cell walls, . We studied 08 cases of keratitis caused by dematiaceous fungi. Predisposing factors were trauma and use of topical antibiotic and steroid drops. The species isolated were -Curvularia, Bipolaris, Alternaria, Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Treatment with topical Natamycin 1%resulted in corneal healing in four cases, rest worsened on treatment. They were started on oral and topical Voriconazole. The infiltrates healed and no recurrences were seen at 12 week follow up. One case required therapeutic PK. We concluded that unusual pigmented fungus may be resistant to conventional treatment. Therefore microbiological workup is recommended in all cases for etiological diagnosis of keratitis.
Leave a Comment