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Epidemiology of Aspergillus species causing keratitis in Mexico
Author(s) -
AlHatmi Abdullah M. S.,
Castro Marino Alcantara,
Hoog G. Sybren,
Badali Hamid,
Alvarado Victor Flores,
Verweij Paul E.,
Meis Jacques F.,
Zago Virginia Vanzzini
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
mycoses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.13
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1439-0507
pISSN - 0933-7407
DOI - 10.1111/myc.12855
Subject(s) - aspergillus , fungal keratitis , natamycin , epidemiology , aspergillus terreus , keratitis , microbiology and biotechnology , amphotericin b , voriconazole , aspergillus flavus , itraconazole , incidence (geometry) , biology , aspergillus versicolor , aspergillosis , etiology , medicine , antifungal , dermatology , immunology , physics , food science , optics
Summary Background The incidence of fungal keratitis has increased in recent years. While the epidemiology and clinical roles of various Candida and Fusarium species have been relatively well‐identified in infections of the eye, data regarding keratitis caused by Aspergillus species are scant. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is important for successful management of this infection. Objectives To present the first molecular epidemiological data from Mexico during a 4‐year period of cases admitted with Aspergillus keratitis to a tertiary care eye institution in Mexico City. Patients/Methods A total of 25 cases of keratitis were included in the study. Aspergillus isolates were identified by sequencing the calmodulin gene. Antifungal susceptibility was tested according to CLSI. Results The aetiological agents belonged to Aspergillus flavus (n = 13), Aspergillus effusus (n = 1), Aspergillus tamarii (n = 4), Aspergillus sydowii (n = 1), Aspergillus protuberus (n = 3) and Aspergillus terreus (n = 3). All strains had low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of itraconazole and voriconazole (VCZ). Amphotericin B and natamycin showed moderate elevated MICs. Conclusions Early diagnosis and application of topical VCZ 1% were associated with good outcome. Monitoring of local epidemiological data plays an important role in clinical practice.