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Update on fungal keratitis from 1999 to 2008

Elvin H Yildiz1, Yasmine F Abdalla, Ahmed F Elsahn

  • 1Cornea Service, Wills Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Cornea
|September 18, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal keratitis cases increased significantly, peaking in 2004-2006, particularly those linked to contact lens use. Despite a later decline in contact lens-related infections, overall fungal keratitis rates remained elevated through 2008.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
  • Contact lens wear is a known risk factor for fungal keratitis.
  • Understanding trends in fungal keratitis is crucial for public health and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in fungal keratitis cases at a single institution from 1999 to 2008.
  • To identify predisposing factors and specific causative organisms associated with fungal keratitis during this period.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients diagnosed with fungal keratitis.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, predisposing factors, and causative fungal species.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and significant associations.

Main Results:

  • Seventy-eight eyes of 76 patients were identified with fungal keratitis.
  • Contact lens use (35.9%), trauma (21.8%), and prior penetrating keratoplasty (15.4%) were the most common predisposing factors.
  • A significant increase in contact lens-related Fusarium infections was observed, peaking in 2005-2006, coinciding with a specific contact lens solution outbreak. Overall fungal keratitis cases remained high through 2008.

Conclusions:

  • A notable increase in fungal keratitis cases occurred from 2004 to 2006, linked to a Fusarium outbreak associated with a specific contact lens solution.
  • While contact lens-related Fusarium infections decreased after 2006, overall fungal keratitis incidence remained elevated.
  • Contact lens wear was a more frequent predisposing factor for fungal keratitis than trauma during the study period.

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