Fungal keratitis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention
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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
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Published on: December 8, 2023
Lingzhi Niu1, Xin Liu1, Zhiming Ma2
1Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
Abstract:
As a kind of serious, potentially sight-threatening corneal infections with poor prognosis, fungal keratitis can bring a heavy economic burden to patients and seriously affect the quality of life, especially those in developing countries where fungal keratitis is more prevalent. Typical clinical features include immune rings, satellite lesions, pseudopods, hypha moss, hypopyon and endothelial plaques. The ideal therapeutic effects could not be achieved by current treatments for many reasons. Therefore, under the current status, understanding the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and prevention strategies might be of great importance. Here, in this review, we discuss the recent progresses that may advance our understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis and prevention of fungal keratitis.
Insights
Fungal keratitis, a severe eye infection, poses significant health and economic challenges, particularly in developing nations. This review explores recent advancements in understanding its causes, early detection, and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal keratitis is a serious, sight-threatening corneal infection with a poor prognosis.
- It disproportionately affects developing countries, imposing a substantial economic burden and reducing quality of life.
- Current treatments often fall short of ideal therapeutic effects due to various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis.
- To highlight advancements in the early diagnosis of fungal keratitis.
- To discuss novel prevention strategies for fungal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on fungal keratitis.
- Analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Main Results:
- Identification of key clinical features such as immune rings, satellite lesions, and hypopyon.
- Discussion of limitations in current treatment modalities.
- Emphasis on the importance of understanding pathogenesis for improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Further research into pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and prevention is crucial for combating fungal keratitis.
- Improved understanding can lead to better management and reduced impact of this infection.
- Addressing fungal keratitis requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on its underlying mechanisms and proactive measures.
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