Fusarium keratitis in Mexico.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Fungal keratitis is a significant cause of visual impairment globally.
• Fusarium species are common pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of Fusarium keratitis in specific geographic areas is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and visual prognoses for Fusarium keratitis cases in Mexico.
• To identify the primary causative agents and associated risk factors for Fusarium keratitis in the studied population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, comparative study was conducted on 61 patients diagnosed with Fusarium keratitis.
• Data were collected from patients treated at an eye hospital in Mexico City between 1981 and 2001.
• Clinical findings, microbiological data, treatment regimens, and visual outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fusarium solani was identified as the predominant etiological agent (83.6%).
• Trauma history (57.4%) and agricultural activity (34.4%) were significant risk factors.
• Topical ketoconazole was a common treatment, with 77% of patients showing improvement; however, 23% experienced worsening, necessitating surgical interventions like conjunctival flaps or penetrating keratoplasty in advanced cases.

Conclusions:

• Fusarium species represent the leading cause of fungal keratitis in Mexico.
• Topical antifungal therapy, including monotherapy and combination treatments, proved effective in a majority of cases (79.6%).
• Surgical interventions such as conjunctival flaps and penetrating keratoplasty are recommended for advanced or treatment-refractory cases to improve visual acuity.