Mycotic keratitis by Drechslera spicifera

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Keratomycosis, a fungal infection of the cornea, can lead to severe visual impairment.
• Fungal keratitis is often associated with trauma or contact lens wear, but can also arise from environmental exposures.
• Cochliobolus spicifer is a dematiaceous fungus known to cause various infections in animals.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old male presented with a large corneal ulcer and hypopyon.
• The patient's symptoms were linked to dust exposure, suggesting an environmental source of infection.
• Direct examination of corneal scrapings revealed characteristic dark-brown hyphae.

Findings:

• The Drechslera state of Cochliobolus spicifer was successfully isolated from the patient's corneal scrapings.
• Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of dark-brown hyphae, consistent with dematiaceous fungi.
• This case represents a rare instance of Cochliobolus spicifer causing human keratomycosis.

Implications:

• This finding expands the known spectrum of human pathogens associated with Cochliobolus spicifer.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for managing fungal keratitis.
• Awareness of environmental risk factors, such as dust exposure, is important for preventing fungal eye infections.