Insect Fungus Metarhizium robertsii Is a Rare Causative Agent of Keratitis

Cornea. 2022 Jan 1;41(1):106-108. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002679.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe a case of keratitis secondary to Metarhizium robertsii, a soil-dwelling fungus with typical insect pathogenicity.

Methods: A Case report.

Results: A 58-year-old man with a ocular history of soft contact lens overwear, poor contact lens hygiene, and ocular exposure to ground well water supplying his house was referred to our university practice for a central corneal ulcer with 40% thinning. Same-day rapid microscopic detection with Giemsa stain identified the presence of many hyphae elements, and he was ultimately diagnosed with M. robertsii keratitis. The patient's course involved severe and progressive corneal thinning that stabilized over a 3-month course of antifungal therapy.

Conclusions: Metarhizium robertsii seems more aggressive than other forms of fungal keratitis; therefore, this infection may be watched more closely with the risk for quick progressive corneal thinning, even while on antifungal management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / adverse effects*
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / microbiology
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Insecta / microbiology*
  • Keratitis / diagnosis
  • Keratitis / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Metarhizium / pathogenicity*
  • Middle Aged
  • Rare Diseases*
  • Slit Lamp Microscopy

Supplementary concepts

  • Metarhizium robertsii