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Fungal keratitis following amniotic membrane transplantation
Sujata Das1, Balasubramanya Ramamurthy, Virender S Sangwan
1L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. sujatadas@bei-lvpei.org
Purpose:
To report a case of fungal keratitis following amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.
Method:
A 55-year-old female underwent amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) with epithelial debridement and anterior stromal puncture in the left eye for symptomatic bullous keratopathy. She developed fungal keratitis after 4 weeks.
Result:
Aspergillus sp. was isolated from the corneal scraping. The patient was treated with systemic and topical antifungal medication.
Conclusion:
Although AMT is safe, there is a risk of microbial infection after the procedure especially in poor ocular surfaces.
Insights
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) can lead to fungal keratitis, particularly in patients with compromised ocular surfaces. This case highlights the risk of infection following AMT for bullous keratopathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy is a condition affecting the cornea.
- Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is a therapeutic option for corneal conditions.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old female with bullous keratopathy underwent AMT with epithelial debridement and anterior stromal puncture.
- Four weeks post-procedure, the patient developed symptoms suggestive of microbial keratitis.
Findings:
- Corneal scraping revealed Aspergillus sp. infection.
- The patient was treated with systemic and topical antifungal agents.
Implications:
- While AMT is generally safe, it carries a risk of microbial infections.
- Close monitoring is crucial, especially in patients with poor ocular surface health after AMT.
