Paecilomyces Keratitis in Western India: A Case Report

Abstract

Cases of ocular trauma with vegetative matter are commonly encountered in ophthalmic practice in India. Many of these present with keratitis/ corneal ulceration, of which fungi have a predominant share. We report a case of fungal keratitis and graft infection with Paecilomyces lilacinus, which was successfully treated with topical and systemic Voriconazole. A farmer presented with corneal ulcer and hypopyon in left eye following vegetative trauma during farming. A provisional diagnosis of fungal corneal ulcer was made based on clinical features and topical anti-fungal therapy with Natamycin was initiated. After deterioration, Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty (TPK) was performed to prevent corneal perforation. Postoperatively, the graft responded well to treatment initially. Signs of graft infection appeared on the second postoperative day with perforation within 72 hours. Culture report of recipient corneal button obtained after first TPK revealed growth of P.lilacinus. A second TPK was performed and patient was started on local and oral Voriconazole. After one month follow up, the graft was clear of infection. To our knowledge, this is a rare case reported from western India, at least in recent years. With no definite consensus existing regarding management in such a scenario, extensive research is needed in this direction.

Keywords

• paecilomyces lilacinus
• therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty
• voriconazole