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Fungal keratitis caused by Candida utilis--case report
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|May 4, 1999
Summary
This study details the first ocular fungal infection caused by Candida utilis, a yeast previously unlinked to human disease. Effective treatment with antifungal medications led to healing and vision restoration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candidiasis is a common opportunistic fungal infection.
- Candida utilis was not previously associated with human morbidity, with only two reported cases of fungemia in 1988 and 1993.
- Ocular fungal infections require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with an ocular fungal infection.
- Clinical examination revealed feather-like infiltration at the ulceration margin.
- The causative agent was identified as Candida utilis.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of ocular infection by Candida utilis.
- Topical fluconazole and amphotericin-B effectively treated the fungal keratitis.
- The corneal ulcer healed within 3 weeks, and the patient regained useful vision after penetrating keratoplasty.
Implications:
- Candida utilis should be recognized as a potential cause of mycotic keratitis.
- This finding expands the spectrum of human pathogens within the Candida genus.
- Ophthalmologists should consider Candida utilis in the differential diagnosis of fungal keratitis, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with specific exposures.