Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Medical Mycology
• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe corneal infection often leading to significant vision impairment.
• Co-infections of AK with fungal pathogens are rare but pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion and skilled laboratory analysis.

Observation:

• A case of Acanthamoeba keratitis co-infected with Curvularia species is presented.
• The co-infection highlights the importance of comprehensive corneal scraping examination for multiple pathogens.
• Clinical presentation and laboratory findings were systematically evaluated.

Findings:

• Identification of both Acanthamoeba and Curvularia in corneal scrapings confirmed the co-infection.
• Systematic microbiological examination was essential for detecting the uncommon co-infecting agent.
• This co-infection underscores the complexity of microbial keratitis diagnosis.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis by clinical microbiologists is critical for successful treatment outcomes in microbial keratitis.
• Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are vital for preserving visual acuity and reducing morbidity.
• This case emphasizes the need for vigilance in identifying polymicrobial infections of the cornea.