Recurrent Fungal Keratitis and Blepharitis Caused by Aspergillus flavus

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Nov 2;95(5):1216-1218. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0453. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Abstract

Aspergillus species produces a wide spectrum of fungal diseases like endophthalmitis and fungal keratitis ophthalmologically, but there has been no report about blepharitis caused by Aspergilus flavus to date. Herein, we report a 61-year-old ethnic Han Taiwanese male who had suffered from pain with burning and foreign body sensation after an insect bite on his left eye. Specimens from bilateral eyelids suggested infection of A. flavus, whereas corneal scraping showed the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. He was admitted for treatment of infectious keratitis with topical antibiotic and antifungal eye drops. Two weeks after discharge, recurrent blepharitis and keratitis of A. flavus was diagnosed microbiologically. Another treatment course of antifungal agent was resumed in the following 6 months, without further significant symptoms in the following 2 years. Collectively, it is possible for A. flavus to induce concurrent keratitis and blepharitis, and combined treatment of keratitis as well as blepharitis is advocated for as long as 6 months to ensure no recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillus flavus / isolation & purification*
  • Blepharitis / diagnosis
  • Blepharitis / drug therapy
  • Blepharitis / microbiology
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / diagnosis*
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Keratitis / diagnosis*
  • Keratitis / drug therapy
  • Keratitis / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Natamycin / therapeutic use
  • Taiwan
  • Tetracycline / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Natamycin
  • Tetracycline