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Mycotic keratitis due to Engyodontium album: first case report from India

D C Thamke1, D K Mendiratta, A Dhabarde

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|April 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Engyodontium album, a rare fungal pathogen, caused a corneal infection in a farmer after eye trauma. This fungus, usually found in decaying materials, can be mistaken for other species.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Engyodontium album is an uncommon human pathogen.
  • It is typically found in decaying organic matter and moist environments.
  • Common substrates include paper, jute, linen, and painted walls.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old male farmer presented with a corneal infection.
  • The patient had a history of trauma to the eye from unidentified vegetative matter.
  • Fungal growth was observed on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol within 3 days.

Findings:

  • The causative agent was identified as Engyodontium album from corneal scrapings.
  • This case highlights a rare instance of human ocular infection by this fungus.
  • Differential diagnosis should consider similar-looking fungi like Tritirachium sp. and Beauveria sp.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Engyodontium album infections.
  • It underscores the importance of considering environmental fungi as potential pathogens in ocular trauma.
  • Accurate identification is crucial to differentiate from morphologically similar fungi, guiding appropriate treatment.

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