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Donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans after corneal transplantation

John E Sutphin1, Michael A Pfaller, Richard J Hollis

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1091, USA. sutphinj@horus.ophth.uiowa.edu

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 4, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Donor tissue transmitted Candida albicans to a recipient after corneal transplant surgery. Routine donor rim cultures are crucial for preventing fungal keratitis post-keratoplasty.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Corneal transplantation, or penetrating keratoplasty, is a common procedure to restore vision.
  • Fungal keratitis is a serious complication that can lead to vision loss.
  • Donor tissue screening is critical to prevent infectious disease transmission.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old male developed keratitis and a lenticular abscess 26 days after penetrating keratoplasty.
  • The donor tissue originated from a drowning victim.
  • Candida albicans was identified in both the donor rim and the recipient cornea.

Findings:

  • Antifungal sensitivity and DNA profiles of the isolates from the donor rim and recipient cornea were identical.
  • This confirmed donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans.
  • The source of the infection was definitively traced to the donor tissue.

Implications:

  • Routine culture of corneal donor rims is essential for early detection of fungal contamination.
  • Close patient follow-up post-keratoplasty is vital, especially when donor rims test positive for fungus.
  • Antifungal prophylaxis may be advisable for patients receiving corneas from donors with positive fungal cultures.

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