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Penicillium keratitis in vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Ritu Arora1, Seema Gupta, Usha K Raina
1Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. aroraj@del3.vsnl.net.in
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 3, 2002
Summary
Penicillium keratitis can occur in vernal shield ulcers without corticosteroid use. This case highlights a normally harmless fungus causing a severe super-added infection in this ocular condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Vernal shield ulcer is a serious ocular condition often associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
- Fungal keratitis is a significant cause of visual impairment, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Observation:
- A case of Penicillium keratitis was observed in a patient with vernal shield ulcer.
- The infection occurred despite the absence of topical or systemic corticosteroid use, a common risk factor.
Findings:
- Penicillium, a fungus typically part of the normal ocular flora, was identified as the causative agent.
- This represents a super-added infection in the context of vernal shield ulcer.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for opportunistic fungal infections in compromised ocular surfaces like vernal shield ulcers.
- Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing fungal keratitis, even in atypical presentations without corticosteroid exposure.
- Suggests that normally innocuous organisms can cause severe disease under specific pathological conditions.