Pseudallescheria boydii keratitis

R Mills1, G Garrett

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.

Insights

A rare fungal eye infection, Pseudallescheria boydii keratitis, was successfully treated with antifungal medications. This case highlights effective management of post-traumatic corneal infections for good visual recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Post-traumatic corneal infections can be challenging to manage.
  • Fungal keratitis, particularly from soil saprophytes, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a corneal laceration from a wood splinter, initially repaired surgically.
  • Ocular infection with Pseudallescheria boydii manifested four weeks postoperatively.

Findings:

  • Topical miconazole and natamycin effectively eradicated the Pseudallescheria boydii infection.
  • Successful visual outcome was achieved after subsequent penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the efficacy of specific antifungal agents in treating rare fungal keratitis.
  • Aggressive surgical and medical management can restore vision in severe post-traumatic ocular fungal infections.