Long-Term Follow-Up after Successful Treatment of Pythium insidiosum Keratitis in Israel

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to report a case of severe Pythium insidiosum keratitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and its long-term cure after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. A 24-year-old woman with a history of contact lens wear and exposure to swimming pool water presented with a severe corneal abscess. She was treated with intensive fortified topical antibiotics and natamycin with limited response. Initial cultures suggested the presence of a septate mold, unclearly identified; therefore, both topical and intravenous voriconazole were administered. Despite the above treatment, there was worsening of the clinical picture. PCR assay revealed homology to Pythium insidiosum. Promptly, the patient underwent a large therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. After five years of follow-up, the graft exhibits neither signs of rejection nor any recurrence of infection. We conclude that prompt identification of Pythium insidiosum keratitis and aggressive treatment by therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty may offer a cure to this disease.

• Keratitis
• keratoplasty
• penetrating
• polymerase chain reaction
• pythiosis