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Open AccessJournal ArticleDOI

Fungal infections of the cornea

P A Thomas
- 01 Nov 2003 - 
- Vol. 17, Iss: 8, pp 852-862
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TLDR
Key aspects of fungal infections of the cornea are described, which constitute an important eye problem in outdoor workers in tropical and subtropical regions and a proper understanding of agent and host factors involved in these infections will improve the outcome of this condition.
Abstract
Purpose To describe key aspects of fungal infections of the cornea, which constitute an important eye problem in outdoor workers in tropical and subtropical regions. Methods Review of published studies and personal observations. Observations Fungal infections of the cornea are frequently caused by species of Fusarium, Aspergillus, Curvularia, and Candida. Trauma is the most important predisposing cause; ocular and systemic defects and prior application of corticosteroids are also important risk factors. Culture remains the cornerstone of diagnosis; direct microscopic detection of fungal structures in corneal scrapes or biopsies permits a rapid presumptive diagnosis. A variety of antifungals have been evaluated in therapy of this condition. Natamycin can only be given topically, while amphotericin B, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole can be administered by various routes. Topical amphotericin B (0.1-0.3%) is frequently the treatment of choice for infections due to Candida and related fungi, while topical natamycin (5%) is the choice for keratitis due to filamentous fungi. Medical therapy may fail, necessitating surgical intervention. Conclusions Fungal infections of the cornea continue to be an important cause of ocular morbidity, particularly in the agricultural communities of the developing world. A proper understanding of agent and host factors involved in these infections will improve the outcome of this condition.

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References
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Journal ArticleDOI

National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.

Erika Bruck
- 01 Jan 1980 - 
TL;DR: Many members of the Academy of Pediatrics seem to be generally unaware of the fact that the Academy has participated for ten years in a very interesting and valuable organization, the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).
Journal ArticleDOI

Taxonomy, biology, and clinical aspects of Fusarium species.

TL;DR: Foreign-body-associated fusarial infection such as keratitis in contact lens wearers, onychomycosis, skin infections, and disseminated multiorgan infections are discussed and the implications for the association of the carcinogens, fumonisins, produced by Fusarium moniliforme and other FUSarium species with human diseases are discussed.
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Spectrum of microbial keratitis in South Florida.

TL;DR: During a nine-year period ending in 1977, scraped and cultured 663 corneal ulcers, and Pseudomonas was the predominant bacterial organism, and Fusarium was the most common fungus isolated.
Journal ArticleDOI

The epidemiological features and laboratory results of fungal keratitis: a 10-year review at a referral eye care center in South India

TL;DR: This review presents the epidemiological features and laboratory results of the largest series of fungal keratitis ever reported in the literature, which was retrospectively reviewed for demographic features, risk factors, seasonal variation, and laboratory findings in south India.
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