Botryosphaeria dothidea Mycotic Keratitis: A Novel Phytopathogen Causing Human Infection

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the first case of mycotic keratitis caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. Methods: A 29-year-old man developed a fungal infection after being hit with chestnut thorns in the left eye. In vivo confocal microscopy, microbial culture, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used in the diagnosis of mycotic keratitis. Results: The patient was provisionally diagnosed with mycotic keratitis based on IVCM and promptly received local and systemic antifungal treatment with voriconazole and amphotericin B. Although microbial culture failed to identify the pathogen, NGS revealed B. dothidea as the causative agent. Although the infection was quickly contained, corneal perforation still occurred. Owing to the lack of fresh donor corneas, the patient underwent multilayer amniotic membrane and conjunctival pedicle graft surgery. The infection was successfully controlled, and during the 6-month follow-up, the cornea remained clear in the inferotemporal optical zone. Conclusions: We report a novel phytopathogen—B. dothidea—causing mycotic keratitis. Our case indicates that B. dothidea responds well to voriconazole and amphotericin therapy. This case broadens the spectrum of fungal keratitis and highlights the application of NGS in identifying molds.