Endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis in a healthy individual

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals or intravenous drug use.
• Aspergillus species are common causative agents in such cases.

Observation:

• An immunocompetent patient, not an intravenous drug user, presented with culture-proven endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis.
• The case was considered unusual due to the absence of typical predisposing factors.

Findings:

• Successful treatment was achieved using a combination of repeated intravitreal, intracameral, and intrastromal injections of amphotericin B.
• Anterior chamber wash was also performed as part of the therapeutic regimen.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that endogenous fungal endophthalmitis can occur in seemingly healthy individuals.
• It underscores the importance of considering fungal infections even in the absence of risk factors.