[Light and electron microscopic observations of experimental keratomycosis]

Experimental fungal keratitis was established in the pigmented rabbit by intralamellar injection of Aspergillus fumigutus suspension after superficial corneal trephination. Examination of clinical manifestations was combined with light microscopy, SEM, TEM, and slit-lamp microscopy in the study of pathological and symptomatic development. The morbidity occurred in all the 45 eyes inoculated, as corneal ulcer (100%), immunity ring (72%), hypopyon (64%), and radial turbidity of hyphae growth (28%); satellite lesions were not found. The pathogenesis of keratomycosis possibly included direct damage by fungal extension, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and action of fungal toxins. The pathological basis for the clinical manifestations of keratomycosis was also discussed.