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Clinical characteristics of alternaria keratitis

Ching-Hsi Hsiao1, Lung-Kun Yeh1, Hung-Chi Chen1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Road, Kweishan 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan ; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Alternaria keratitis, a rare fungal eye infection, is often linked to trauma or contact lens use. Early diagnosis and prompt antifungal treatment lead to successful outcomes in most cases.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Alternaria species are infrequent causes of fungal keratitis.
  • Previous research on Alternaria keratitis primarily consists of case reports.
  • Understanding the clinical profile of Alternaria keratitis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Alternaria keratitis.
  • To compare the features of locally treated patients with previously reported cases.
  • To identify risk factors and treatment responses in Alternaria keratitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 7 culture-proven Alternaria keratitis cases treated at a single institution.
  • Comparison with 25 previously documented cases of Alternaria keratitis.
  • Review of risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Common risk factors include ocular trauma (44%) and soft contact lens wear (16%).
  • Early diagnosis (within 2 weeks) and medical antimicrobial treatment resulted in cure for most patients (72%).
  • Natamycin and/or amphotericin B showed variable success rates (48% in one cohort); 28% required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusions:

  • Alternaria keratitis is associated with identifiable risk factors.
  • Prompt diagnosis and early antifungal therapy are key to successful medical management.
  • While medical treatment is often effective, surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases.

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