Related Experiment Videos
Invasion of a soft contact lens by Exophiala jeanselmei
1Laboratorio de Alergia Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas.
Mycopathologia
|March 1, 1989
Abstract:
The invasion of a soft contact lens by Exophiala jeanselmei is documented. All species in this genus are pathogenic. In humans E. jeanselmei is a recognized cause of mycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis and keratomycosis. This fungus has not been previously listed among lens invaders.
Insights
Exophiala jeanselmei, a pathogenic fungus, has been documented invading soft contact lenses for the first time. This finding is significant as it expands the known range of fungi capable of infecting contact lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Soft contact lenses are widely used for vision correction.
- Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Exophiala jeanselmei is a known human pathogen causing mycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis, and keratomycosis.
Observation:
- A case of soft contact lens invasion by Exophiala jeanselmei is reported.
- This represents a novel instance of this fungus interacting with contact lens materials.
Findings:
- Exophiala jeanselmei, a fungus typically associated with subcutaneous and systemic infections, has demonstrated the ability to invade soft contact lenses.
- This genus is known to be pathogenic, with E. jeanselmei being a recognized cause of various human mycoses.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential new route for Exophiala jeanselmei to cause ocular infections, specifically fungal keratitis in contact lens wearers.
- This highlights the importance of contact lens hygiene and prompt management of any suspected infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms of invasion and the clinical significance of this interaction.