Management of Acanthamoeba and Candida Keratitis in a Young Female: Our Experience at Princess Haya Military Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim We aim to share our experience in the management of a 19 years old female patient, who presented to Princess Haya Military Hospital in Aqaba, Jordan, with a very aggressive keratitis. Patients and methods A 19 years old female patient with 1 year history of keratitis that did not resolve despite several treatment strategies tried elsewhere, presented to the eye clinic in Aqaba. Ocular examination showed signs of Acanthamoeba keratitis with perineuritis. Corneal cultures were not informative. Corneal biopsy showed a mixed Candida and Acanthamoeba growth. Results The patient was started on topical and oral anti-amoebic and antifungal treatment (antiamoebic drops brought from UK). Improvement was drastic after 2 weeks of treatment. The patient maintained a chronic low infective state and scarring of the cornea. She received therapeutic and visual karatoplasty 3 months later. Patient is now 12 months after her PKP. The cornea is clear and vision is 6/12 unaided. Conclusion Cases of mixed fungal and amoebic keratitis are very rare. Prompt treatment and diagnosis is essential for recovery. Controversy still exists on the use of steroids after corneal transplantation for treatment of chronic fungal keratitis. Management should be tailored to each individual case. How to cite this article Al Raqqad N, Al Fgara N. Management of Acanthamoeba and Candida Keratitis in a Young Female: Our Experience at Princess Haya Military Hospital. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2015;4(3):120-122.