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Aureobasidium pullulans keratitis

Anita Panda1, Hrishikesh Das, Manorama Deb

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. anitap2001@yahoo.com

Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|May 5, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aureobasidium pullulans causes rare corneal ulcers, often mistaken for contaminants. This study confirms its role as a pathogen in keratomycosis, requiring specific antifungal treatments for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Corneal ulcers caused by Aureobasidium pullulans are rare, with limited global literature.
  • This study reports the first cases from Nepal, highlighting the need to recognize A. pullulans as a potential pathogen in corneal infections.
  • Criteria for identifying A. pullulans as a pathogen include consistent isolation from corneal specimens with clinical signs of infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a series of proven cases of Aureobasidium pullulans corneal ulcers.
  • To evaluate the clinical presentation, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes of A. pullulans keratitis.
  • To establish A. pullulans as a significant cause of keratomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from 447 patients with presumed microbial keratitis.
  • Evaluation of corneal ulcer cases between August 1998 and July 2001.
  • Identification of fungal organisms from corneal ulcer specimens and assessment of treatment responses.

Main Results:

  • Aureobasidium pullulans was identified in 25 out of 200 fungal isolates from corneal ulcers.
  • Topical natamycin was ineffective; topical fluconazole or itraconazole, with systemic fluconazole in some cases, were required.
  • 22 out of 25 affected eyes responded well to antifungal therapy, while 2 required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusions:

  • Aureobasidium pullulans should be recognized as a causative agent of keratomycosis.
  • Specific antifungal agents like fluconazole and itraconazole are effective in treating A. pullulans corneal infections.
  • Prompt and appropriate antifungal therapy is crucial for managing A. pullulans keratitis and preventing severe visual outcomes.

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