Fungal keratitis caused by Didymella gardeniae (formerly Phoma gardeniae) successfully treated with topical voriconazole and miconazole

Abstract

Fungal keratitis by Phoma species is rare, and little information has been accumulated. We report a case of keratitis caused by Didymella gardeniae, formerly known as P. gardeniae. The patient had a history of stromal herpetic keratitis and had been treated with long-term topical betamethasone. He developed infectious keratitis in the left eye, with the causative fungus identified by ribosomal DNA sequencing. Combination treatment with topical voriconazole and miconazole proved effective. Keywords: Fungal keratitis, Didymella gardenia, Phoma, voriconazole, miconazole