DR. RASHMI SHUKLA

DR.DR. NISHEETA S. AGARWALA

Abstract

Infective keratitis due to the parasitic oomycetes, Pythium Insidiosum is a fairly recent clinical entity in coastal and tropical climates such as India. This aquatic fungus like pathogen sometimes referred to as a pseudofungus has some morphological and clinical features similar to fungal keratitis. However, the cell wall of Pythium Insidiosum lacks ergosterol and chitin found in fungal cell wall, hence poor response to antifungal treatment. A failure or delay in diagnosis of Pythium keratitis can result in sight threatening consequences. The authors aim to highlight the differences of Pythium versus Fungal keratitis by describing the presentation and clinicomicrobiological characteristics of two patients with Pythium keratitis. An awareness of such a clinical entity, its similarity yet starking difference from fungal keratitis and collaboration with the microbilogist can help diagnose this infection earlier and allow timely medical/ surgical intervention.