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Keratomycosis caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus

Susanta Kumar Sahu1, Jayashree Dora, Gopeswari Hota

  • 1Department of Microbiology, VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India.

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|March 11, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the first case of fungal keratitis (keratomycosis) in India caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus. This emerging fungal pathogen highlights the need for increased awareness of rare causes of corneal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Keratomycosis, or fungal corneal infection, is a significant cause of vision loss globally, especially in tropical regions.
  • Traumatic eye injury is the primary risk factor, often involving filamentous fungi.

Observation:

  • Blastoschizomyces capitatus is an emerging fungal species increasingly identified in various infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • Previous reports of B. capitatus causing eye infections are rare, with only one documented case of keratitis and corneal graft melting.

Findings:

  • This paper details the first reported case of keratomycosis in India caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus.
  • The case underscores the potential for B. capitatus to cause severe corneal disease.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the known spectrum of fungal pathogens responsible for keratomycosis.
  • Increased clinical vigilance is warranted for B. capitatus as a cause of fungal keratitis, especially in endemic areas or in immunocompromised individuals.

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