Posters

Exserohilum rostratum keratitis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus

Poster Details

First Author: W.Chaidaroon THAILAND

Co Author(s):    N. Phaocharoen   T. Srisomboon   N. Vanittanakom              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report case of fungal keratitis infected by Exserohilum rostratum in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Methods:

A retrospective study of the HIV patient with keratomycosis caused by Exserohilum rostratum was reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Results:

A 48-year-old man with HIV infection presented with a history of trauma with unknown species of insect in right eye. He also had redness and blurred vision in right eye. Eye examination revealed a corneal ulcer with a whitish infiltration. The satellite lesion, feathery edge, and brownish deposits in epithelial surface and anterior stroma of right cornea were presented. Corneal scraping specimen showed numerous large dematiaceous septate hyphae and polymerase chain reaction analysis identified Exserohilum rostratum. Treatment was started with 5% natamycin eyedrops and oral itraconazole. Corneal lesion was resolved and responded well to medication and debridement.

Conclusions:

Exserohilum rostratum is one of dematiaceous fungi and can caused of corneal phaeohyphomycosis. Brownish pigmented lesion is a suggestive sign to diagnose, however microbiologic studies are required to obtain a definite diagnosis. Immunocompromised host and ocular trauma are the risk factor for keratomycosis. Antifungal medication and debridement are the main treatment of corneal fungal infection.

Financial Disclosure:

None