Search

Amniotic membrane (AM) is frequently used in ophthalmologic surgery for rapid ocular surface reconstruction. Sometimes it may create a major problem with associated infections after biofilm formation over the membrane. To overcome this problem, AM was coated with the antimicrobial peptide clavanin A. The antifungal activity of clavanin A in the native and self-assembled form was determined against the common ocular surface pathogensCandida albicans,Aspergillus fumigatus,Alternariasp. andFusariumsp. Biofilm formation over the coated surface was significantly reduced in comparison with the uncoated membrane. The coated membrane revealed effectiveness in terms of biocompatibility, cell attachment colonization when tested in non-cancerous 3T3 and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cell lines. Clavanin A-coated AM also exhibited excellent physical, morphological and antifungal characteristics, indicating potential applicability for ocular surface infection control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratitis treatment has become more complicated due to the emergence of bacterial or fungal pathogens with enhanced antibiotic resistance. The pharmaceutical applications of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes have received remarkable attention due to their antimicrobial properties. In this paper, the new precursor, 3,3′-(p-phenylenedimethylene) bis{1-(2- methyl-allyl)imidazolium} bromide (1a) and its analogous PF6 salt (1b) were synthesized. Furthermore, silver(I) and gold(I) -N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes [Ag2LBr2/Au2LBr2; 2a/3a], [(Ag2L2)(PF6)2/(Au2L2)(PF6)2; 2b/3b] were developed from their corresponding ligands. All compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities against multiple keratitis-associated human eye pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Complexes 2a and 3a showed highest activity, and the effectiveness of 3a was also studied, focusing eradication of pathogen biofilm. Furthermore, the structures of 1a, 2a and 3b were determined using single crystal X-ray analysis, 2b and 3a were optimized theoretically. The mechanism of action of 3a was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and docking experiments, suggesting that its target is the cell membrane. In summary, 3a may be helpful in developing antimicrobial therapies in patients suffering from keratitis-associated eye infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report includes a scientific view of the traditional use of ‘Kaajal’ from the leaf of Euphorbia neriifolia, an Indian spurge tree locally called the ‘Monosha’ plant. A thorough analysis of the material demonstrates that it contains carbon nanoparticles having two uniform sizes of 2–3 nm and 35–45 nm. Further study revealed that Kaajal has antimicrobial properties against eye pathogens and is biocompatible for cosmetic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a case of a 32-year old female with a history of minor trauma presented with total corneal ulcer and hypopyon in the left eye. Microbiological examination of corneal scraping showed refractile hyphae with asepted branching filaments and black pigmented colonies in multiple solid agar medium. Identification of the organism was made from culture using D1/D2 region of Large Sub Unit (28S rDNA) based molecular technique. Polymerase chain reaction amplified a band with a sequence that was 100% homologous with Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The organism was sensitive to amphotericin B and voriconazole, and demonstrated resistance to itraconazole and fluconazole. Therapeutic keratoplasty was performed followed by recurrence in graft controlled with topical voriconazole and intracameral amphotericin B. Graft failure was reported after three months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report a rare case of fungal keratitis from Eastern India., Methods: This is a case report., Results: A 52-year-old man with a history of minor trauma presented with a total corneal ulcer and hypopyon in the left eye. Microbiologic examination of corneal scrapings showed yeast cells in direct smear and typical yeast colonies on multiple solid agar media. Identification of the organism isolated in the culture was performed using the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU 28S rDNA)-based molecular technique. Polymerase chain reaction amplified a band with a sequence that was 100% homologous with that of Candida fermentati. The organism was susceptible to amphotericin B and anidulafungin and demonstrated resistance to voriconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Therapeutic keratoplasty was performed, followed by the recurrence of the infection in the graft, which was controlled with topical and intracameral amphotericin B. At the end of 3 months, the affected eye had developed phthisis bulbi., Conclusions: This is the first report of isolation of C. fermentati, a species closely related to Candida guilliermondii, from keratitis. Molecular diagnostic techniques are helpful in the accurate identification of this organism, which is clinically important in view of an antifungal susceptibility pattern that differs from that of other yeasts and for selection of appropriate therapy.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare intraocular pressures (IOP) measured by dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) with Goldmann tonometry (GAT) in Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) eyes. The agreeability between the 2 established methods and their relation to central corneal thickness (CCT) was also studied., Design: A comparative case series., Methods: Forty-six eyes of DSEK were enrolled at least 3 months after the procedure. Thirty-five other eyes of the same patient cohort served as control. Intraocular pressures were measured by DCT and GAT by 2 different examiners in a randomized manner. Central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry. Statistical analysis was used for the calculation of means, SD, coefficient of determination, linear regression, and Bland and Altman plot. Statistical significance was considered as P < 0.05., Results: Mean CCT was 624.49 μm and 518.41 μm in DSEK and control eyes, respectively. Mean IOP by GAT and DCT, respectively, was 19.4 and 21.5 mm Hg in DSEK eyes and 15.12 and 17.6 mm Hg in controls. Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty eyes showed universally higher IOP by either method in comparison with normal controls. Dynamic contour tonometry reading was significantly higher than GAT in both (P < 0.05) groups. The correlation between IOP and CCT was not significant in DSEK eyes (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: A higher baseline IOP is to be expected in DSEK eyes, which is independent of corneal thickness. Both GAT and DCT can be used as a standard method to measure IOP in DSEK eyes, but their readings cannot be used interchangeably.

Purpose: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and outcome of Candida keratitis in a Cornea Care Unit of Kolkata-based tertiary eye hospital., Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative, observational case series involving patients of culture-proven fungal keratitis from January 2008 to December 2008. A total of 85 cases of culture-proven fungal keratitis were identified. Of these, 16 cases were caused by Candida sp and selected for the study. The records were analyzed for demographics, risk factors, mode of management (medical or surgical), indication of surgical therapy, and the response to treatment with final outcome. Medical therapy consisted of topical amphotericin B with or without intracameral application after obtaining culture reports. Surgical therapy included application of tissue adhesive with bandage contact lens and therapeutic keratoplasty., Results: All cases of Candida keratitis were caused by Candida albicans accounting for 16 cases [18.81%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.8-28.5] of total culture-positive fungal keratitis. We found postsurgical steroid therapy in 8 cases as most important association, followed by diabetes and trauma (4 cases each) as next common comorbidities. All patients required therapeutic keratoplasty. Surgical indications were corneal melt in 10 cases (62.5%; 95% CI, 38.5-81.6), extension up to limbus in 2 cases (12.5%; 95% CI, 12.2-37.2) and nonresponse with worsening in 4 cases (25%; 95% CI, 19.7-49.9). Final outcome consists of phthisis bulbi in 3 cases (18.8%; 95% CI, 5.8-43.8), failed graft in 7 cases (43.7%; 95% CI, 23-66.8), and clear graft in 6 cases (37.5%; 95% CI, 18.4-61.5)., Conclusions: Candida is a new concern in developing countries like India. We are concerned about the poorer outcome, probably resulting from our unpreparedness and failure of medical therapy leading to more complication and requiring surgical intervention in higher numbers.

Background: Corneal diseases are one of the major causes of visual loss and blindness, second only to cataract. Amongst corneal diseases, microbial keratitis is a major blinding disease. In some countries, fungal keratitis accounts for almost 50% of patients with culture-proven microbial keratitis., Aim: This study was conducted to determine the epidemiological characteristics of fungal keratitis in an urban population of West Bengal and identify the specific pathogenic organisms., Methods: The charts of patients with microbial keratitis who attended the Cornea Services of Priyamvada Birla Aravind Eye Hospital from January to December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Records of patients with 10% KOH mount and culture positive fungal keratitis were analyzed for epidemiological features, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes., Results: Of the 289 patients of microbial keratitis included in the study, 110 patients (38.06%) were diagnosed with fungal keratitis (10% KOH mount positive). Of the 110 patients, 74 (67.27%) fitted the study inclusion criteria (10% KOH mount and culture positive). Forty five of 74 patients (60.81%) in the study group were in the older age group (>50 years). Ocular trauma in 35 cases (47.29%) was identified as a high risk factor and vegetative injuries in 17 cases (22.97%) were identified as a significant cause for fungal keratitis. Maximum organism source was from corneal scrapings in 41 cases (55%). The predominant fungal species isolated was Aspergillus sp (55.40%) followed by Candida albicans 14 cases (18.91%) and Fusarium sp. in 8 cases (10.81%). Agricultural activity related ocular trauma was the principal cause of mycotic keratitis and males were more commonly affected. Thirty of 74 cases (40.55%) of the culture positive patients healed with corneal scar formation with medical treatment whereas 44 cases (59.45%) required therapeutic keratoplasty., Conclusion: Fungal keratitis is an important cause of microbial keratitis with injury to the cornea being a leading predisposing factor. Although Aspergillus sp. was implicated in most of the patients in our study population, Candida sp. were found in higher numbers than previously reported. Keratitis caused by filamentous fungi responds adequately to medical management. Therapeutic keratoplasty continues to remain an important treatment modality in infections with Candida sp. Early diagnosis with prompt identification of the pathogenic organism is mandatory to initiate appropriate therapy and thereby reduce morbidity.