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Yeasts in banal external ocular inflammations
Abstract:
In 53 out of 313 patients suffering from longstanding inflammations of the outer eye or dacryocanaliculitis, not yielding to the obligate treatment with antibiotics and steroids, yeasts were isolated and regarded as the causative agents. Among the yeasts, different Candida species were prevalent, with C. albicans and C. guillermondii at the top. An obstinate, superificial epithelial and subepithelial punctate keratitis appeared to represent an entity pathognomonic of a yeast infection. Eradication of the yeasts and cure of the inflammation was achieved only by intensive prolonged treatment with Mycostatin or amphotericin B.
Insights
Yeasts, particularly Candida species, were identified as the cause of persistent eye inflammation in patients unresponsive to standard treatments. Antifungal therapies like Mycostatin were necessary for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
Background:
- Longstanding inflammations of the outer eye and dacryocanaliculitis can be challenging to treat.
- Antibiotic and steroid therapies are not always effective for certain ocular inflammations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of yeasts as causative agents in refractory eye inflammations.
- To identify specific yeast species involved in these conditions.
- To determine effective treatment strategies for yeast-induced ocular infections.
Main Methods:
- Yeast isolation and identification from 313 patients with chronic eye inflammation.
- Clinical observation of superficial epithelial and subepithelial punctate keratitis.
- Treatment assessment using Mycostatin and amphotericin B.
Main Results:
- Yeasts were isolated from 53 out of 313 patients (17%).
- Candida species, including C. albicans and C. guillermondii, were the most common isolates.
- A specific type of keratitis was pathognomonic of yeast infection.
- Intensive, prolonged treatment with Mycostatin or amphotericin B led to yeast eradication and inflammation cure.
Conclusions:
- Yeasts, especially Candida species, are significant causative agents in persistent outer eye inflammations and dacryocanaliculitis.
- Specific punctate keratitis patterns may indicate yeast infections.
- Antifungal agents like Mycostatin and amphotericin B are crucial for treating these refractory cases.