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Infectious keratitis secondary to Histoplasma capsulatum: the first case reports in humans

Enyr S Arcieri1, Ademir Rocha, Camila N Mendonça

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. rsaran@triang.com.br

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|March 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study details a rare case of fungal keratitis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum in an immunocompetent individual. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed the fungal DNA, marking a unique global finding.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis is an infection of the cornea.
  • Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus typically associated with pulmonary infections.

Observation:

  • An immunocompetent male patient presented with an unusual case of fungal keratitis.
  • The causative agent was identified as Histoplasma capsulatum.

Findings:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum DNA in ocular samples.
  • This represents the first documented human case of Histoplasma capsulatum fungal keratitis worldwide.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Histoplasma capsulatum to cause rare ocular infections, even in immunocompetent hosts.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering unusual pathogens in diagnosing fungal keratitis.
  • Suggests the need for broader diagnostic awareness in ophthalmology and infectious disease.

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