Related Experiment Videos
Histopathology of experimental Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis
A Fons1, J García-de-Lomas, J M Nogueira
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Histopathological studies in rabbit's eyes, 7 and 14 days after intracorneal inoculation with 1 X 10(5) Aspergillus fumigatus conidia have been performed. Similar lesions were found in both periods with fungal hyphae in the anterior third of corneal stroma, round cell infiltration from the sclero-corneal edge and in the anterior chamber and, neovascularization. No lesions were found in the Descemet's membrane. Gomori silver-methenamine stain with hematoxiline-eosine counter-stain was found to be the most reliable stain to detect fungal presence in corneal stroma, and Masson's trichromic stain in the study of pathological changes in ocular elements.
Insights
Ocular histopathology in rabbits revealed Aspergillus fumigatus fungal hyphae and inflammation in the cornea and anterior chamber. Gomori silver-methenamine stain effectively identified fungal presence in the corneal stroma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Ocular fungal infections, particularly keratitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, pose a significant threat to vision.
- Understanding the histopathological progression of fungal keratitis is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological changes in rabbit eyes following experimental Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different staining techniques in visualizing fungal elements and pathological alterations.
Main Methods:
- Intracorneal inoculation of rabbits with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia.
- Histopathological examination of ocular tissues at 7 and 14 days post-inoculation.
- Application of Gomori silver-methenamine and Masson's trichromic stains.
Main Results:
- Consistent lesions observed at both time points, including fungal hyphae in the corneal stroma, round cell infiltration, and neovascularization.
- No fungal invasion or lesions were detected in the Descemet's membrane.
- Gomori silver-methenamine stain proved superior for detecting fungal hyphae, while Masson's trichromic stain was optimal for assessing overall pathological changes.
Conclusions:
- Experimental Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis in rabbits induces characteristic histopathological changes in the cornea and anterior chamber.
- Specific staining methods are critical for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of fungal keratitis.
- Further research may elucidate targeted therapeutic interventions based on these histopathological findings.