Ultraviolet-a light and riboflavin therapy for acanthamoeba keratitis: a case report

Purpose

To report ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light treatment in a patient with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

Methods

Interventional case report. A standard protocol for ultraviolet corneal therapy, with a power emission of 3 mW/cm² and a wavelength of 370 nm, was used. The protocol included an 8-nm bandwidth at a 54-mm distance measured with a collimation system of diodes as well as a protective shield of riboflavin in a case of documented AK.

Results

A 54-year-old female patient with AK, showing no therapeutic response to a wide variety of topical antimicrobial agents and with a visual acuity of 20/400, was treated with UV-A therapy. The patient displayed a favourable response in the first 24 h after treatment, with improvement of symptoms, visual acuity (to 20/200) and biomicroscopy cornea with haze degree I. By the third week post-treatment, the patient was symptom-free. Her visual acuity was 20/30, and the affected cornea was clear. Five months after treatment, there had been no recurrence, and her vision was 20/20.

Conclusions

Treatment with UV-A light was an effective therapy in this case of AK.Key words: Acanthamoeba keratitis, Ultraviolet light, Riboflavin     

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Keratitis after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose

We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis after Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Case Report

An 87-year-old woman who had undergone a DSAEK 4 months previously was referred to Tokushima University Hospital with a diagnosis of infectious keratitis after DSAEK. A white abscess and infiltration in the inferior cornea of the right eye were observed. We started an empiric therapy using topical levofloxacin and chloramphenicol on the basis of the microscopic findings of the corneal scraping concurrently with cultivation of the cornea.

Results

A strain of MRSA was isolated from the corneal sample. Although the strain was susceptible to chloramphenicol, it was resistant to quinolone. The keratitis improved rapidly due to empiric therapy, and topical steroids could be resumed 6 days after initiation of the empiric therapy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case of MRSA keratitis, and the second case of bacterial keratitis, after DSAEK. MRSA keratitis can occur following uneventful DSAEK. The empiric therapy on the basis of results from a light microscopic examination of a Gram-stained corneal scraping and restarting topical steroids in the early stages of medication contributed to the good clinical course of this case.Key words: Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Keratitis     

Review of epidemiological features, microbiological diagnosis and treatment outcome of microbial keratitis: Experience of over a decade

Purpose:

To review the epidemiological characteristics, microbiological profile, and treatment outcome of patients with suspected microbial keratitis.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of a non-comparative series from the database was done. All the patients presenting with corneal stromal infiltrate underwent standard microbiologic evaluation of their corneal scrapings, and smear and culture-guided antimicrobial therapy.

Results:

Out of 5897 suspected cases of microbial keratitis 3563 (60.4%) were culture-proven (bacterial – 1849, 51.9%; fungal – 1360, 38.2%; Acanthamoeba – 86, 2.4%; mixed – 268, 7.5%). Patients with agriculture-based activities were at 1.33 times (CI 1.16–1.51) greater risk of developing microbial keratitis and patients with ocular trauma were 5.33 times (CI 6.41–6.44) more likely to develop microbial keratitis. Potassium hydroxide with calcofluor white was most sensitive for detecting fungi (90.6%) and Acanthamoeba (84.0%) in corneal scrapings, however, Gram stain had a low sensitivity of 56.6% in detection of bacteria. Majority of the bacterial infections were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis (42.3%) and Fusarium species (36.6%) was the leading cause of fungal infections. A significantly larger number of patients (691/1360, 50.8%) with fungal keratitis required surgical intervention compared to bacterial (799/1849, 43.2%) and Acanthamoeba (15/86, 17.4%) keratitis. Corneal healed scar was achieved in 75.5%, 64.8%, and 90.0% of patients with bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba keratitis respectively.

Conclusions:

While diagnostic and treatment modalities are well in place the final outcome is suboptimal in fungal keratitis. With more effective treatment available for bacterial and Acanthamoeba keratitis, the treatment of fungal keratitis is truly a challenge.     

Varicella-Zoster Virus Keratitis with Asymptomatic Conjunctival Viral Shedding in the Contralateral Eye

Purpose

To report a case of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) keratitis with detection of VZV DNA in the tear fluid of not only the symptomatic eye but also the contralateral asymptomatic eye by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods

This is a case report. A 63-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with circular corneal ulcer and stromal opacity with infiltration accompanied by mild conjunctival and ciliary injections in the left eye. Bacterial cultures of the corneal scrapings and virus PCR analyses of tear fluid from both eyes were performed.

Results

No pathogen was found by bacterial cultures. PCR was negative for Acanthamoeba, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus, but positive for VZV. VZV DNA was also detected in the unaffected eye. Based on the diagnosis of VZV keratitis, oral valacyclovir and acyclovir eye ointment were administered to the corneal infected eye. The infected eye was healed and VZV DNA turned negative in the tear fluid of the treated eye after 6 months of treatment; however, VZV DNA was still positive in the tear fluid of the contralateral eye.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of the detection of VZV DNA in the tear fluid of both affected and unaffected eyes in a patient with VZV keratitis. Asymptomatic conjunctival shedding of VZV may continue in the healthy unaffected eye in VZV keratitis patients.Key Words: Varicella-zoster virus, Keratitis, Asymptomatic shedding, Tear fluid, PCR     

Chronic Ocular Hypertension after Treated Multifocal Bacterial Keratitis

Purpose

To report an unusual case of multifocal bacterial keratitis that despite success-ful treatment caused chronic ocular hypertension.

Methods

A 67-year-old woman with unilateral multifocal keratitis and no previous ocular pathology was admitted to our hospital. Corneal scrapings and conjunctival samples were obtained for culture and the patient received intensive therapy with fortified vancomycin and tobramycin eye drops.

Results

The cultures demonstrated two strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one resistant to ciprofloxacin and both sensitive to vancomycin. Treatment was effective and gradually discontinued after total cessation of the inflammatory activity. During the follow-up period, the patient developed late and persistent ocular hypertension of unknown etiology, in absence of any detectable inflammation or complication, and received permanent antiglaucoma therapy.

Conclusion

Differential diagnosis between fungal and bacterial infection is critical in cases of multifocal keratitis. Patients with multifocal bacterial keratitis may need intraocular pressure monitoring, even after complete infection healing.Key words: Keratitis, Ocular hypertension, Staphylococcus epidermidis     

Keratitis with Kocuria palustris and Rothia mucilaginosa in Vitamin A Deficiency

Purpose

To present a case of unusual corneal infection early in the course of peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a patient with severe vitamin A deficiency.

Method

Single observational case report in urban USA.

Case Presentation

An alcoholic patient with pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, and vitamin A deficiency presented with a marginal corneal ulcer from which two bacteria of the family Micrococcaceae were cultured and identified by genome sequence analysis, namely Kocuria palustris and Rothia mucilaginosa. Soon after, severe bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis developed, later accompanied by eyelid cellulitis of one lid. These conditions improved with antibiotics, treatment of the underlying gastrointestinal conditions, and treatment of the vitamin deficiency.

Conclusion

Susceptibility to keratitis with unusual bacteria of the Micrococcaceae family can occur in the setting of alcoholism-related gastrointestinal disease with severe vitamin A deficiency. To our knowledge, K. palustris is a species not previously identified in any human disease, and the Kocuria genus has not previously been reported as a participant in eye infection. Documented cases of R. mucilaginosa in ocular disease are rare. These unusual infections heralded the onset of severe marginal corneal melts.Key words: Kocuria palustris, Rothia mucilaginosa, Peripheral ulcerative keratitis, Vitamin A deficiency     

Corneal Chromoblastomycosis Caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi

Purpose

To report 2 unusual cases of fungal keratitis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

Methods

Two patients were diagnosed with Fonsecaea pedrosoi keratitis. Their files were reviewed for predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, microbiological study, treatment, and outcome.

Results

Two consecutive patients presented with brownish pigmented corneal ulcers in their eyes after sustaining eye trauma from vegetative matter. In both cases, corneal scrapings were collected for microscopic examination and culture. Dematiaceous hyphae were seen on the smears, and dark pigmented colonies grew on the culture media, identified as F. pedrosoi. Both patients were treated and cured with combined topical antifungal agents and oral itraconazole. The first patient required an amniotic membrane patch, while the second received an intracameral amphotericin B injection.

Conclusions

Pigmented infiltrates can be an important diagnostic clue, but a microscopic evaluation and culture are required to obtain an accurate diagnosis of Fonsecaea keratitis. The prompt diagnosis and combined antifungal treatment can prevent morbidity associated with this fungal infection.Key Words: Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Dematiaceous fungus, Keratitis, Chromoblastomycosis     

Lens epithelial cell death secondary to acanthamoeba keratitis: absence of capsular bag opacification six years after cataract surgery

Purpose

To show the evolution of anterior chamber structures 6 years after cataract surgery in a case with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

Methods

A 37-year-old woman with AK receiving long-term treatment with chlorhexidine, propamidine isethionate and steroids developed a white cataract and iris atrophy. Penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery were performed with subsequent intraocular pressure elevation requiring Molteno shunt implantation. Two years after the last surgery, endothelial decompensation developed and another penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Intraoperatively, the anterior and posterior capsules were completely transparent.

Results

Six years after cataract surgery, the intraocular lens was centered with clear anterior and posterior capsules without lens epithelial cells proliferation. No Soemmering''s ring formation or posterior capsule opacification was found. Also, no zonular damage or pseudophacodonesis was observed.

Conclusions

This case suggests that AK infection and AK treatment not only cause white progressive cataract but also lens epithelial cell death. The capsules may be completely clear 6 years after cataract surgery, with a good quality of vision regardless of intraocular lens material or design.Key words: Acanthamoeba keratitis, Lens epithelial cells, Penetrating keratoplasty, Glaucoma, Cataract, Iris atrophy     

Serrated Margins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis

Purpose

To describe 3 cases of culture-positive P. aeruginosa keratitis, who presented with a focus having serrated margins.

Methods

Observational case report.

Results

Three cases wearing contact lenses complained of symptoms such as pain, redness, and a decrease in vision. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination revealed a focus with serrated margins in all cases. The patients underwent corneal scraping for cultures, which confirmed the presence of P. aeruginosa. All 3 patients were treated with a combination of fluoroquinolone and tobramycin, 6–8 times per day. Corneal defects and infiltration disappeared within 2 weeks after initiating the therapy.

Conclusion

Serrated margins may also be a characteristic initial presentation of P. aeruginosa keratitis.Key words: Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis, Serrated margins, Contact lenses     

Corneal nerve alterations in acute Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis: an in vivo confocal microscopy study

Purpose

To study sub-basal corneal nerve alterations in patients with acute Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and fungal keratitis (FK), using laser in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of IVCM (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3/Rostock Cornea Module) images of 10 AK corneas and 4 FK corneas was performed, and the results compared with those of 10 normal and 12 acute herpetic keratitis (HK) corneas. Sub-basal corneal nerves were analyzed with respect to total number of nerves, main nerve trunks, branching pattern and total length of nerves per image, as well as tortuosity. For each variable, results for three frames were averaged and analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results

Total corneal nerve length was significantly (P<0.0001) reduced in patients with AK (193.4±124.5 μm) and FK (268.6±257.4 μm) when compared with normal controls (3811.84±911.4 μm). Total nerve counts in patients with AK (3.9±1.2) and FK (3.6±3.2) were significantly (P<0.0001) decreased in comparison with normal controls (24.7±5.5). The number of main nerve trunks and nerve branching was found to be significantly lower in AK and FK corneas, when compared with controls. There was a statistically significant decrease in the above parameters when compared with HK controls.

Conclusions

The sub-basal corneal nerve plexus is significantly diminished in eyes with AK and FK, as demonstrated by IVCM. These results are more profound than previously reported findings of a diminished nerve plexus in HK.     

Curative effect assessment of bandage contact lens in neurogenic keratitis

AIM:To observe the curative effect of bandage contact lens in neurogenic keratitis.METHODS:Twenty cases of neurogenic keratitis were studied attheDepartment of Ophthalmology, the first Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, between October 2012 and June 2013. These included 13 males and 7 females, aged from 35 to 88y. Patients were voluntarily divided into an experimental group (lens wearing group, n=10) and control group (drug therapy, n=10). In experimental group patients wore silicone hydrogel bandage soft contact lens. Both groups used the following eyedrops:0.5% levofloxacin TID; 0.5% Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose QID; fibroblast growth factor BID; ganciclovir BID [cases complicated with herpes simplex virus (HSV)]; compound tropicamide BID (cases concurrent hypopyon). The healing time of corneal ulcer and complication rates were observed in the two groups.RESULTS: The healing time of corneal ulcer in the experimental group was 10.80±4.44d versus 46.70±13.88d in the control group (P＜0.05). No complications occurred in the experimental group, except for the lens falling off twice in one case, the patient recovered eight days after rewearing the lens. While in the control group, all cases vascularized, 2 cases were complicated with descemetocele that recovered with amniotic membrane transplantation and 1 case was complicated with corneal perforation that recovered by autologous conjunctival flap covering.CONCLUSION: Bandage contact lens is a safe and effective method of treating neurogenic keratitis and significantly shortened the healing time of corneal ulcer.     

Keratitis after Implantation of Intrastromal Corneal Rings with Spontaneous Extrusion of the Segment

Purpose

To report a case of bacterial keratitis in a patient with a history of intrastromal corneal ring segments (INTACS®) implantation to correct keratoconus.

Methods

The patient''s history, clinical presentation, pathological analysis and therapeutic management were reviewed.

Results

A 36-year-old-man was referred to our department due to decreased vision and intense pain in his left eye, 40 days after INTACS® implantation for keratoconus. Slit-lamp examination revealed epithelial defects and stromal infiltrates in the lower channel without evidence of the inferior ring. The anterior chamber also showed a significant fibrin reaction to hypopyon. A low-tension suture was removed at the site of the incision. Microbiological study of the conjunctival swab was positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis, but the corneal culture was sterile. The patient was treated with topical fortified and systemic antibiotics. The infection slowly resolved, leaving opacity at the inferior segment site.

Conclusions

Infectious keratitis following INTACS implantation is an infrequent complication that can have important consequences without suitable and early therapeutic management.Key Words: INTACS®, Intrastromal rings, Keratitis, Segment extrusion     

Experimental model of Fusarium solani keratitis in rats

AIM: To establish a repeatable rat model of Fusarium solani keratitis (F. solani keratitis) that mimicked fungal keratitis in humans. METHODS: Wistar rats’ corneas were scratched on the superficial stroma after scraping the unilateral corneal epithelia. Then, the corneal surface was inoculated with different inoculum dose of F. solani spore suspension. Doses ranged from 106 to 109 colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL). The treated corneas were covered by contact lenses that were made of Parafilm M membrane. Negative controls were inoculated with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For statistical analysis, corneas were evaluated daily on a 12-point scale to check the state of corneal inflammation. Furthermore, the pathological characteristics of this model were investigated. RESULTS: The rat model of F. solani keratitis was established by the combination methods of corneal trauma and parafilm-made contact lens and inoculation of fungus spore suspension. 106 and 107CFU/mL of F. solani induced mild corneal infection, while 108CFU/mL of F. solani was sufficient to induce moderate infection that was consistent with human keratomycosis. Dose of 109CFU/mL of F. solani was excessive and led to perforated corneas. CONCLUSION: The rat model of F. solani keratitis, established by the combinational methods of corneal trauma, parafilm-made contact lens and the appropriate dose of inoculum, that imitates the developing processes of F. solani keratitis in human beings and provides a repeatable method of creating a rat model.     

Improvement in corneal scarring following bacterial keratitis

Aim

Bacterial keratitis results in corneal scarring and subsequent visual impairment. The long-term evolution of corneal scars has not been well described. In this case series, we identified patients who had improvement in corneal scarring and visual acuity from a clinical trial for bacterial keratitis.

Methods

We searched the records of the Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial (SCUT) for patients who had improvement in vision between the 3-month and 12-month visits and reviewed their clinical photographs.

Results

Of the 500 patients enrolled in SCUT, five patients with large central corneal scars due to bacterial keratitis are presented. All experienced improvement in rigid contact lens–corrected visual acuity from months 3 to 12. All patients also had marked improvement in corneal opacity during the same time period. None of the patients opted to have penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusions

Corneal scars may continue to improve even many months after a bacterial corneal ulcer has healed. The corneal remodeling can be accompanied by considerable improvement in visual acuity, such that corneal transplantation may not be necessary.     

Clinical observation of removal of the necrotic corneal tissue combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery under the guidance of the AS-OCT in treatment of fungal keratitis

AIM: To study the clinical observation of removal of the necrotic corneal tissue combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery under the guidance of the AS-OCT in treatment of fungal keratitis. METHODS：A retrospective study was done to 10 patients (10 eyes) who had accepted removal of the necrotic corneal tissue combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery for fungal keratitis,the diagnosis by corneal scraping and smear examination or confocal microscopy check hyphae.Local and systemic antifungal therapy more than one week for all patients, corneal ulcer enlarge or no shrink.Slit lamp microscope examination the diameter of corneal ulcer about 2mm-4mm.Anterior segment optical coherence tomography（AS-OCT）examine the depth of corneal ulcer between 1/3-1/2,infiltrate corneal stroma about 20um-80um,the diameter of corneal ulcer about 3mm-6mm.Type-B ultrasonic exclusion endophthalmitis. Complete removal lesions until transparent of stroma, make conjunctival flap equal or greater than ulcer 1mm nearby conjunctiva. Continued antifungal therapy. The vision, fungal recurrence, conjunctival flap rollback or desquamate were analysed. RESULTS：Ten patients had success done this surgery, the corneal ulcer was not enlarge and healing afteroperation.7 cases were bridging conjunctival flap and 3cases were single conjunctival flap. Preoperation vision above 0.1 had 8 cases,7 cases had vision above 0.1 one week after surgery, while 1 cases vision droped from 0.3 to 0.05.There was not recurrent for fungal,2 cases conjunctival flap rollback:1 case was bridging and 1case was single flap, no conjunctival flap desquamate. CONCLUSION：It is safe and effective to perform removal of the necrotic corneal tissue combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery under the guidance of the AS-OCT in treatment of fungal keratitis which werenot sensitive or aggravate for antifungal drugs.     

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis and necrotizing scleritis initiated by trauma in the setting of mixed cryoglobulinemia

Purpose

To report a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis and necrotizing scleritis precipitated by trauma in a patient with mixed cryoglobulinemia due to hepatitis C viral infection.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Results

A 62-year-old man with a history of mixed cryoglobulinemia developed an episode of necrotizing scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis one month after repair of a traumatic scleral defect with patch grafting. This episode resolved following treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and the patient underwent successful repeat patch grafting along with a free conjunctival autograft. This is the second reported case of necrotizing scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with mixed cryoglobulinemia.

Conclusion

Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association between mixed cryoglobulinemia and necrotizing scleritis/peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Patients with this condition experiencing ocular trauma or undergoing ocular surgery should be monitored closely.Key words: Scleritis, Peripheral ulcerative keratitis, PUK, Mixed cryoglobulinemia, Hepatitis C     

A Case of Herpetic Keratitis after Subconjunctival Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection

Purpose

We report a case of herpetic epithelial keratitis that developed after subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection (STI).

Methods

A 65-year-old female with anterior uveitis and hypotony in her right eye was given a STI (2 mg/0.5 ml). After the injection, she developed redness and an ocular discharge. A clinical examination was performed and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the viral DNA in a corneal scraping.

Results

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed a severe purulent discharge, conjunctival injection, and a geographic corneal ulcer in the right eye. Herpes simplex virus 1 DNA was identified in the corneal scraping using real-time PCR. Herpetic keratitis was diagnosed and topical acyclovir ointment as well as systemic valacyclovir were started. The inflammation subsided with this medication.

Conclusion

We encountered a case of herpetic epithelial keratitis after a STI.Key words: Herpetic keratitis, Subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection, Anterior uveitis, Polymerase chain reaction, Hypotony     

Incidence and microbiological profile of mycotic keratitis in a tertiary care eye hospital: A retrospective analysis

Purpose

To determine the incidence and microbiological profile of mycotic keratitis seen at a tertiary care eye hospital.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of microbiology records of patients presenting with suspected microbial keratitis seen between January 2006 and December 2009 was performed. Patients with positive fungal cultures were further analyzed for the type of fungus isolated and associated bacterial pathogens.

Results

Microbiology records of 2300 patients with suspected microbial keratitis were reviewed. A microbiological diagnosis of mycotic keratitis was established in 87 (3.8%) patients over a four year period based on positive fungal cultures. The yearly incidence of mycotic keratitis was 3.2% (2006), 4.9% (2007), 3.3% (2008) and 3.6% (2009). Filamentous fungi were isolated more often than yeasts. Aspergillus species followed by Fusarium species and Trichophyton species were the commonest filamentous fungi isolated while Candida albicans was the most frequently encountered yeast. Mixed infections due to fungal and bacterial pathogens were seen in 25/87 (28.7%) patients.

Conclusion

Cumulative incidence of mycotic keratitis was 3.8% over a four year period. Aspergillus species and Candida albicans were the most frequent pathogenic organisms causing mycotic keratitis in this part of the world. Mixed infections were seen in 28.7% of the patients. Knowledge of the “local” etiology within a region may be valuable in the management of mycotic keratitis in instituting an empirical therapy, especially when facilities for microscopy, cultures and antifungal susceptibility are not readily available. The baseline information presented will also be helpful in the planning of a corneal ulcer management strategy and for future studies on mycotic keratitis.     

Necrotizing Keratitis Caused by Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus

Background

We report a case of necrotizing keratitis caused by acyclovir (ACV)-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) with a clinical appearance similar to a previous fungal keratitis infection.

Methods

Observational case report.

Results

Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in the left eye with a history of herpetic keratitis that resolved with periodic treatment with ACV ointment and a topical steroid. The left eye was painful and red with an abscess and corneal erosion in the peripheral donor cornea. Examination of the scraped corneal epithelium by light microscopy and culturing identified Candida albicans; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative for human herpes viruses. After antifungal treatment, the ocular pain gradually decreased and the lesions slowly improved but recurred with a similar clinical appearance. A second light microscopy examination and cultures were negative for pathogens including C. albicans. PCR was positive for HSV-1 DNA; treatment with 3% topical ACV ointment was unsuccessful. A third examination showed only HSV-1 DNA. Despite antiviral ACV ointment, no clinical improvement occurred based on the HSV DNA copy numbers, which were the same before and after treatment, indicating a possible ACV-resistant strain. When topical trifluorothymidine was substituted for ACV, clinical improvement occurred and the HSV DNA copy numbers decreased.

Conclusion

Necrotizing keratitis induced by ACV-resistant HSV occurred independently after fungal keratitis, with a similar clinical appearance in this case, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Monitoring the HSV DNA load by real-time PCR could be useful for refractory cases even with atypical clinical appearances.Key words: Herpes simplex virus, Acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus, Necrotizing keratitis, Fungal infection, Real-time polymerase chain reaction