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Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a patient with AIDS

T W Metcalfe1, R M Doran, P L Rowlands

  • 1Eye Department, Harrogate District Hospital.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

A patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed chronic eye and sinus infections from Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Treatment with Brolene eye drops successfully resolved the eye inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can lead to opportunistic infections affecting various organ systems.
  • Microsporidian infections, such as those caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi, are increasingly recognized in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A male patient diagnosed with AIDS presented with chronic keratoconjunctivitis and chronic sinusitis.
  • The symptoms were attributed to an infection with the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was confirmed through electron microscopic examination of conjunctival epithelial cells and nasal tissue.
  • Treatment involved topical propamidine isethionate 0.1% (Brolene) eye drops administered six times daily.

Implications:

  • Prompt resolution of keratoconjunctivitis was achieved with propamidine isethionate treatment.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering microsporidian infections in AIDS patients with persistent ocular and sinonasal symptoms.
  • Effective topical treatment options exist for Encephalitozoon cuniculi ocular infections.

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