[The effect of topical steroid medication on experimental candida keratitis]

An immunological study was performed to investigate the effect of topical steroid medication on candida keratitis. 15 albino rabbits were used in this study. Candida keratitis was induced by inoculating candida albicans into the corneal stroma on the animals. In the experimental group (9 rabbits), prednisolone ointment was given twice daily for 4 days prior to the inoculation. In the control group (6 rabbits) no medication was given. The clinical course of keratitis was observed and stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes was measured. Candida extract (soluble antigen) and formalin-fixed candida whole cells (insoluble antigen) were used as antigens to stimulate the lymphocytes. Clinical observation was continued up to 21 days after inoculation. Stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes was measured by the stimulation index (SI) at before 4,7,11,14 and 21 days after inoculation. Inflammation was suppressed clinically in the active phase of the experimental group, but the total course of inflammation was longer than in the control group. In the control group, SI against both soluble and insoluble antigens was elevated. The peak SI was reached at 11 days after inoculation. In the experimental group, SI was elevated against soluble antigen but no elevation was observed against insoluble antigen. These results show that cellular immunological response does exist in experimental candida keratitis in rabbits. Since local steroid medication prolonged inflammation and suppressed cellular immunity, cellular immunity seems to play a significant role in the development and recovery of candida keratitis.