Nigrospora oryzae causing human corneal keratitis: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Microbial keratitis can lead to severe vision impairment.
• Fungal keratitis is relatively rare, especially infections caused by less common fungi like Nigrospora oryzae.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old woman presented with corneal ulcers and hypopyon after plant debris injury.
• Initial treatment with antibacterial agents was ineffective, necessitating a switch to topical antifungal therapy.

Findings:

• Corneal scrapings cultured and identified Nigrospora oryzae using internal transcribed spacer sequencing.
• Treatment with 1% voriconazole and 1% natamycin eye drops resulted in clinical improvement and visual recovery.

Implications:

• This case highlights Nigrospora oryzae as a potential cause of fungal keratitis.
• Accurate and rapid microbiological identification, including molecular techniques, is crucial for treating rare fungal eye infections.
• Topical voriconazole and natamycin are effective treatments for Nigrospora oryzae keratitis.