An unusual pathogen causing microbial keratitis

We report a rare case of Mycobacterium fortuitum affecting the corneal graft of a patient 6 years post-graft, possibly associated with contact lens use.

This case shows the need for careful microbiological techniques when dealing with patients presenting with microbial keratitis. It must be kept in mind that unusual and slow growing organisms may also be responsible for corneal ulceration. If a slow growing organism is suspected, a microbiological diagnosis may not be forthcoming for weeks. Misidentification of the responsible pathogen may further complicate management for the clinicians. Cases such as these, which may not respond to medical therapy as expected, may prove a difficult therapeutic challenge to physicians.