No abstract

This is the first reported case of culture-proven, contact lens-related Pythium keratitis originating from Israel. Pythium is a fungus-like, aquatic oomycete found in tropical climates. Human pythiosis is uncommon but associated with high morbidity. Case reports describe surgical cure of Pythium keratitis, but this case recurred despite two penetrating keratoplasties and maximal antifungal therapy. In cases of presumed fungal keratitis that do not respond to antifungals, the fungus should be sent for speciation because early surgical intervention is the only means to save the eye in ocular pythiosis.