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Chronic keratitis caused by Mycobacterium gordonae
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 15, 1986
Summary
Mycobacterium gordonae, an atypical mycobacterium, caused chronic keratitis in a gardener. Diagnosis required lamellar corneal biopsy after initial misdiagnosis and progression of the eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic keratitis can present diagnostic challenges.
- Atypical mycobacteria are rarely reported causes of corneal infections.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male gardener developed chronic keratitis after ocular trauma with vegetable matter.
- Initial treatment for herpes simplex keratitis was unsuccessful, with disease progression over 3.5 years.
Findings:
- A lamellar corneal biopsy ultimately identified Mycobacterium gordonae as the causative agent.
- The patient's condition stabilized after a penetrating keratoplasty.
Implications:
- Mycobacterium gordonae should be considered in cases of indolent corneal ulcers.
- Lamellar corneal biopsy is crucial for diagnosing deep, chronic, or partially treated corneal infections.