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Rapid molecular diagnosis of posttraumatic keratitis and endophthalmitis caused by Alternaria infectoria.

ABSTRACT: The first case of Alternaria infectoria ocular infection is reported. Keratitis and endophthalmitis developed after eye-perforating trauma from a lemon tree branch. Two months after surgery and empirical steroid and antibiotic treatment, diagnosis by molecular methods was performed. PCR amplification was positive for a fungus after 4 h. Antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole was initiated immediately. DNA sequence analysis showed Alternaria infectoria to be the causal agent. After topical and systemic administration of antifungal treatment, ocular inflammation disappeared and visual acuity improved. DNA typing was found to be a useful tool to achieve early identification of the causal agent.

SUBMITTER: Ferrer C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC165366 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Rapid molecular diagnosis of posttraumatic keratitis and endophthalmitis caused by Alternaria infectoria.

Ferrer Consuelo C Montero Javier J Alió Jorge L JL Abad José L JL Ruiz-Moreno José M JM Colom Francisca F

Journal of clinical microbiology 20030701 7

The first case of Alternaria infectoria ocular infection is reported. Keratitis and endophthalmitis developed after eye-perforating trauma from a lemon tree branch. Two months after surgery and empirical steroid and antibiotic treatment, diagnosis by molecular methods was performed. PCR amplification was positive for a fungus after 4 h. Antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole was initiated immediately. DNA sequence analysis showed Alternaria infectoria to be the causal agent. Af ...[more]

PMID: 12843093

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