Corneal Chromoblastomycosis Caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi

Abstract

Purpose: To report 2 unusual cases of fungal keratitis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Methods: Two patients were diagnosed with Fonsecaea pedrosoi keratitis. Their files were reviewed for predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, microbiological study, treatment, and outcome. Results: Two consecutive patients presented with brownish pigmented corneal ulcers in their eyes after sustaining eye trauma from vegetative matter. In both cases, corneal scrapings were collected for microscopic examination and culture. Dematiaceous hyphae were seen on the smears, and dark pigmented colonies grew on the culture media, identified as F. pedrosoi. Both patients were treated and cured with combined topical antifungal agents and oral itraconazole. The first patient required an amniotic membrane patch, while the second received an intracameral amphotericin B injection. Conclusions: Pigmented infiltrates can be an important diagnostic clue, but a microscopic evaluation and culture are required to obtain an accurate diagnosis of Fonsecaea keratitis. The prompt diagnosis and combined antifungal treatment can prevent morbidity associated with this fungal infection.

Keywords

• Chromoblastomycosis
• Fonsecaea pedrosoi
• Dematiaceous fungus
• Keratitis