Polymicrobial Keratomycosis in a Three-Year-Old Child

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a previously unreported case of polymicrobial mycotic keratitis caused by an association between Candida lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, and Geotrichum candidum. Methods: A three-year-old child with an antecedent trauma with vegetable matter and a prolonged use of corticosteroid eyedrops developed fungal keratitis. Results: The isolates of the corneal scraping using Sabaraud dextrose agar grew C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, and G. candidum. After topical 0.2% and systemic fluconazole treatment, the corneal lesion resolved with no recurrence. Conclusions: Corneal trauma with vegetables and the indiscriminate use of corticosteroids are important risk factors for mycotic keratitis. A combination of topical 0.2% and systemic fluconazole therapy was effective in the treatment of this mycotic association. This is the first report of fungal keratitis caused by C. lusitaniae and G. candidum.

KEYWORDS:

• Keratitis
• polymicrobial keratomycosis
• child
• Candida lusitaniae
• Candida parapsilosis
• Geotrichum candidum