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Characteristics of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in an eastern Indian cohort: a case series

Jayangshu Sengupta1, Suman Saha, Archana Khetan

  • 1Corneal and Ocular surface disease clinic, Priyamvada Birla Aravind Eye Hospital, Kolkata, India. jayansu@hotmail.com

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|September 22, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) affects healthy individuals after outdoor exposure. Prompt diagnosis through microbiological evaluation is key for this often misdiagnosed condition.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Microsporidia are intracellular parasites causing human infections.
  • Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) incidence is rising globally in healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize MKC in an Indian patient cohort.
  • To identify demographic, clinical, and treatment features of MKC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, observational case series of 24 MKC patients (June-September 2009).
  • Microbiological confirmation via direct smear, Gram stain, KOH, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Giemsa staining.
  • Analysis of demographics, predisposing factors, prior treatments, clinical presentation, and resolution time.

Main Results:

  • Mean age of onset: 18.7 years; all patients reported outdoor activity and exposure to rain/mud.
  • Common prior treatments included Acyclovir (45.4%) and antibiotics (27.3%).
  • Microsporidia identified in 81.8% via Gram stain; presented as unilateral superficial keratoconjunctivitis with punctate epithelial keratitis; mean resolution time: 9 days.

Conclusions:

  • MKC occurs in healthy individuals linked to outdoor activities and environmental exposure.
  • Often misdiagnosed as viral infections, clinical suspicion and microbiological tests are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Simple debridement and chloramphenicol ointment were effective treatments.

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