fungal keratitis – Page 2

Fungal Keratitis Caused by Humicola sardiniae

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A 78-year-old man developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Humicola sardiniae, a fungus rarely seen in humans. The infection was difficult to treat because the fungus was resistant to most antifungal medications, and continued use of steroid eye drops worsened the condition. After switching to appropriate antifungal treatment and stopping the steroids, the patient’s cornea eventually healed over four months, though this was the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human.

Estimated burden of serious mycoses in Poland

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This study reveals that Poland has a significant but underreported problem with serious fungal infections affecting thousands of people annually. The most common fungal infections are yeast infections like candidosis, while mold infections like aspergillosis are the most serious in immunocompromised patients. The research shows that current reporting systems severely underestimate the true burden of these infections, highlighting the need for better surveillance and diagnostic practices.

Population structure in a fungal human pathogen is potentially linked to pathogenicity

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A. flavus is a common fungal pathogen that causes serious infections in humans and damages crops. Researchers analyzed DNA from hundreds of fungal samples collected from both infected patients and environmental sources. They found that clinical isolates cluster into specific genetic groups, especially a newly identified group called population D that contains most of the disease-causing strains. This suggests that certain genetic variations make some fungal strains more likely to infect humans than others.

Two Cases of Curvularia geniculata Keratitis Successfully Treated with Natamycin-Based Therapy

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Two patients with eye infections caused by a rare fungal species called Curvularia geniculata were successfully treated with antifungal medication. The infections occurred after plant material entered their eyes during daily activities. Doctors identified the exact fungal species through genetic testing and used an antifungal drug called natamycin, alone or combined with another antifungal, to treat the infections. Both patients recovered fully with excellent vision restoration.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

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This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

Fusarium Corneal Abscess: A Case Report

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A healthy 20-year-old man developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Fusarium, a soil fungus, despite having no typical risk factors like eye injury or contact lens wear. Doctors diagnosed the infection through laboratory tests showing fungal filaments and growing the organism in culture. The patient required multiple treatments including antifungal eye drops, injections directly into the cornea, and a graft from amniotic membrane (placenta tissue) to save his vision. The case demonstrates that fungal eye infections can occasionally occur in completely healthy people without obvious causes.

Two Cases of Curvularia geniculata Keratitis Successfully Treated with Natamycin-Based Therapy

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Two patients developed rare fungal eye infections caused by Curvularia geniculata after eye injuries from plant material. The infections caused corneal ulcers with characteristic feathery infiltrates. Both patients were successfully treated using natamycin eyedrops, either alone or combined with voriconazole, and both recovered excellent vision. Accurate identification of the fungus using genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis and helped guide treatment decisions.

Localized Versus Diffuse Corneal Invasion in Fungal Keratitis: Histological Insights from Candida albicans and Fusarium falciforme

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This study compared how two different fungi invade the cornea (clear part of the eye) by examining tissue samples from patients who had severe eye infections. Candida stayed in one small area while Fusarium spread throughout the entire cornea tissue. The findings suggest that different fungi behave very differently when infecting the eye, which could help doctors choose better treatments. Understanding these differences may explain why Fusarium infections are much harder to treat with medications alone.

Phaeoacremonium iranianum – a new corneal pathogen

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A 66-year-old man developed a serious eye infection from a fungus called Phaeoacremonium iranianum after his eye was scratched by a leaf. This is the first reported case of this fungus causing a corneal infection. Doctors treated the infection with antifungal eye drops and surgery to remove infected tissue, and the patient’s condition improved over time, though with some permanent scarring of the cornea.

A Rare Case of Alternaria citri Keratitis Successfully Treated with Voriconazole

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A 71-year-old woodworker developed a serious eye infection caused by a rare fungus called Alternaria citri that damaged his cornea. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and treated it with the antifungal drug voriconazole combined with surgery. After one year, his vision improved and the infection did not return, marking the first documented case of this particular fungal infection in humans.

Disease: fungal keratitis