Scytalidium keratitis: case report in a human eye
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Published on: May 5, 2022
Qais A Farjo1, Rand S Farjo, Ayad A Farjo
1Vision Associates, Toledo, OH 43615, USA. qaisf@umich.edu
Purpose:
To describe the presentation and treatment of a case of an atypical reticular corneal infiltrate with surrounding immune-like ring in a young woman caused by Scytalidium fungal species.
Methods:
Interventional case report describing the clinical appearance, course, and treatment of Scytalidium keratitis.
Results:
A 21-year-old female equestrian with a history of soft contact lens wear was noted to have persistent keratitis and photophobia of the right eye after an injury with a volleyball. Although initially culture negative and responsive to topical steroids, the keratitis persisted, and repeat corneal scrapings and cultures revealed Scytalidium species. Treatment with topical amphotericin B 0.15% and oral fluconazole 200 mg twice daily eradicated the infection, and the patient had a final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20.
Conclusion:
Scytalidium species fungal organisms can cause an indolent keratitis. Intensive oral and topical antifungal therapy was successful in eradicating the infection.
