Fungal Keratitis at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

Abstract

Our experience with fungal keratitis in the northeastern United States appears to be different than those reported from other areas of the United States. Serologic positivity for HIV and chronic ocular surface disease were the most common associated risk factors followed by trauma, herpes simplex keratitis, and contact lens use. Candida species predominated, whereas filamentous fungi were uncommon.

Freshwater Fungal Infections

“…28 In the United States, Candida species were the predominant causes of fungal keratitis in a New York series and were much more common than Fusarium or Aspergillus. 27 29 perhaps in association with an outbreak associated with a particular contact lens solution. 30 In this series, contact lens-related cases outnumbered those due to trauma, and Fusarium was the dominant genus.…”

“…Bell's palsy), decreased lacrimation, decreased lacrimal immunoglobulin-A levels, refractive keratotomy and other procedures, and use of contact lens, especially with extended-wear lenses. 25,27 Fungal keratitis is much more common in developing countries. 25,26 There is significant geographic variation, even within the same country, regarding the proportion of keratitis that is fungal and the proportional distribution of the various fungal genera as etiologic agents.…”

“…25,26 There is significant geographic variation, even within the same country, regarding the proportion of keratitis that is fungal and the proportional distribution of the various fungal genera as etiologic agents. 26,27 Filamentous fungi, especially Fusarium and Aspergillus, are the primary causes of fungal keratitis in most parts of the world. 25 The former is especially predominant in tropical and subtropical regions.…”

Fungal Keratitis - A Brief Overview

“…It is seen that there is preponderance of filamentous fungi in tropical areas while temperate climates show higher percentages of yeast infections [12,13].…”

Fungal Corneal Ulcers: A Prospective Study on the Causative Fungus and the Response to the Present Treatment Protocol

“…7,8,9 This was in contrast to the reports from foreign countries, where candida was the commonest agent isolated. 10 There are only a few reports from Kerala where Fusarium was identified as the commonest fungus causing mycotic corneal ulcer. 11,12 There is a region wise variation in the predominance of fungal corneal ulcers.…”