DR. AARTI HEDA

DR.SHILPA JOSHI, DR.HEMA JOSHI

Abstract

Fungal keratitis remains the leading cause of ocular infection in developing countries like India. The most common fungi causing keratitis are fusarium and aspergillus. We present a rare case of Penicillium marneffei keratitis in an immunocompetent patient. A 65-year-old male, presented with a corneal abscess and perforation with iris incarceration and pseudocornea formation. A clinical diagnosis of fungal keratitis was made and therapeutic keratoplasty was done. Culture of the host corneal button showed growth of penicillium marneffei. Oral ketoconazole along with topical voriconazole 1% and natamycin 5% were continued for 6 weeks post PK. In one year follow up, there was no recurrence of infection. Although P. marneffei is an uncommon etiologic agent in immunocompetent patients, timely diagnosis by stain and culture, and appropriate treatment with topical and oral antifungals and urgent keratoplasty in cases of perforation, can alleviate vision threatening complications.