Keratitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease with a bipolar age distribution in childhood, adolescence and middle adulthood. Up to 50% of AD patients show ocular involvement, which can be potentially sight threatening. Clinically, the majority of cases present with atopic blepharo(kerato)conjunctivitis or atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC); other clinical variants from this group of inflammatory ocular surface diseases are keratoconjunctivitis vernalis in childhood and adolescence and allergic conjunctivitis...

With increasing concern about the negative health impact of fungal disease, there is a need to survey what is and is not known about the epidemiology of these infections in Tunisia. We have estimated the incidence and prevalence of the most serious fungal diseases in Tunisia for the first time. Using published literature from Tunisia, or if absent other countries, we have estimated the burden of life-threatening fungal infections and those causing significant morbidity, using deterministic modeling, based on populations at greatest risk...

As bacterial keratitis progresses rapidly, prompt intervention is necessary. Current diagnostic processes are time-consuming and invasive, leading to improper antibiotics for treatment. Therefore, innovative strategies for diagnosing and treating bacterial keratitis are urgently needed. In this study, Cu2-x Se@BSA@NTRP nanoparticles were developed by loading nitroreductase-responsive probes (NTRPs) onto Cu2-x Se@BSA. These nanoparticles exhibited integrated fluorescence imaging and antibacterial capabilities...

INTRODUCTION: Herpes simplex keratitis stands as a prominent factor contributing to infectious blindness among developed nations. On a global scale, over 60% of the population tests positive for herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). Despite these statistics, there is currently no vaccine available for the virus. Moreover, the conventional nucleoside drugs prescribed to patients are proving ineffective in addressing issues related to drug resistance, recurrence, latency, and the escalating risk of vision loss...

BACKGROUND: Laboratory confirmation is crucial for diagnosis and management of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. However, the sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in keratitis is low (25%) compared with that of mucocutaneous disease (75%). We developed an educational intervention aimed at improving the diagnostic yield of PCR. METHODS: The medical records of keratitis cases seen at the emergency department of a London tertiary ophthalmic referral hospital over two distinct periods, before and after an educational program on swab technique, were reviewed retrospectively...

PURPOSE: To report a 15 year old girl with citrullinemia type 1 and 2 accompanied by neurologic signs and symptoms and a novel ocular complaint in cornea like tyrosinemia type 2. OBSERVATIONS: A 15 year old female was admitted with decreased consciousness and neurologic signs and symptoms. Citrulinemia was discovered through metabolic testing. Later genetic studies revealed mutations in both ASS1 and SLC25A13 genes. Two years after the first presentation, the patient was re-admitted with complaints of bilateral photophobia and tearing...

Contact lenses (CLs) are prone to adhesion and invasion by pollutants and pathogenic bacteria, leading to infection and inflammatory diseases. However, the functionalization of CL (biological functions such as anti-fouling, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory) and maintaining its transparency still face great challenges. In this work, as a member of the MXenes family, vanadium carbide (V2 C) is modified onto CL via a water transfer printing method after the formation of a tightly arranged uniform film at the water surface under the action of the Marangoni effect...

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential treatment of formononetin (FMN) on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis with anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity. METHODS: The effects of FMN on mice with A. fumigatus keratitis were evaluated through keratitis clinical scores, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and plate counts. The expression of pro-inflammatory factors was measured using RT-PCR, ELISA, or Western blot. The distribution of macrophages and neutrophils was explored by immunofluorescence staining...

Melanin is an Aspergillus flavus cell wall component that provides chemical and physical protection to the organism. However, the molecular and biological mechanisms modulating melanin-mediated host-pathogen interaction in A. flavus keratitis are not well understood. This work aimed to compare the morphology, surface proteome profile, and virulence of melanized conidia (MC) and non-melanized conidia (NMC) of A. flavus. Kojic acid treatment inhibited melanin synthesis in A. flavus, and the conidial surface protein profile was significantly different in kojic acid-treated non-melanized conidia...

This 32-centre multicentre study addresses the lack of knowledge about the prevalence and significance of microbial keratitis (MK) associated with contact lens (CL) wear in Spain. A total of 304 cases recruited from 32 hospitals were studied and showed that infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear mainly affects young women during the summer months. In this study, soft lenses with monthly replacement and single solution cleaning were most commonly used, purchased and fitted in opticians' shops...

INTRODUCTION: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) results from the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. The inflammation caused by VZV involves multiple tissues in the eyes. Our goal is to evaluate pattern electroretinogram (PERG) changes and their relationship with corneal sub-basal nerve changes in patients with HZO. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with herpes zoster keratitis or conjunctivitis and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited for this cross-sectional study...

Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a major predisposing factor for Moraxella keratitis. However, how diabetes mellitus contributes to Moraxella keratitis remains unclear. In this study, we examined Moraxella keratitis; based on the findings, we investigated the impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) deposition in the cornea of individuals with diabetic mellitus on the adhesion of Moraxella isolates to the cornea. A retrospective analysis of 27 culture-proven cases of Moraxella keratitis at Ehime University Hospital (March 2006 to February 2022) was performed...

In this chapter, we provide detailed instructions to perform quantitative reflectance imaging in a mouse model of a rare epidermal disorder caused by hyperactive connexin 26 hemichannels. Reflectance imaging is a versatile and powerful tool in dermatology, offering noninvasive, high-resolution insights into skin pathology, which is essential for both clinical practice and research. This approach offers several advantages and applications. Unlike traditional biopsy, reflectance imaging is noninvasive, allowing for real-time, in vivo examination of the skin...

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Paecilomyces species are rare fungi that are resistant to standard treatment and have increasing clinical relevance. The Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly known as Paecilomyces lilacinus, has a unique sensitivity for the corneal surface. However, only a few cases have been documented globally. This case report presents the successful management of a patient with Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis with topical voriconazole and oral itraconazole. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old woman came to our ophthalmology clinic complaining of right eye pain due to a severe corneal infection in her right eye...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document ophthalmic examination findings and provide reference values for ocular examinations and diagnostics in clinically normal Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) and to evaluate the mydriatic effect of a topical rocuronium bromide and identify any adverse effects. ANIMALS STUDIED: Sixteen Western tiger salamanders. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure via rebound tonometry [iCare® TonoVet (dog-setting) or iCare® TonoVet Plus (dog-setting)], and fluorescein and Rose Bengal stains, was performed...

Ocular manifestations of rheumatic diseases are common and contribute significantly to the morbidity and reduced quality of life of affected patients. Knowledge of typical clinical manifestations is important for the rheumatologist in order to support the reference of patients with corresponding symptoms for ophthalmological consultation at an early stage of disease, or to initiate regular screening examinations (e.g. in patients with Behçet's syndrome). Conversely, a (possibly urgent) rheumatological assessment is crucial for certain ophthalmological diseases, in order not to overlook a (possibly fatal) systemic associated disease...

Bacterial keratitis (BK) causes visual morbidity/blindness if not treated effectively. Here, ciprofloxacin (CIP)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using glycol chitosan (GC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) conjugate at three different ratios (CIP@GC(PLA) NPs (1:1,5,15)) were fabricated. CIP@GC(PLA) NPs (1:1) were more effective than other tested ratios, indicating the importance of optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance for corneal penetration and preventing bacterial invasion. The CIP@GC(PLA) (NPs) (1:1) realized the highest association with human corneal epithelial cells, which were nonirritant to the hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM test) and demonstrated significant antibacterial response in the in vitro minimum inhibitory, bactericidal, live-dead cells, zone of inhibition, and biofilm inhibition assays against the keratitis-inducing pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa ...

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator for the repair of midface skin defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients with facial skin cancer, including 11 males and 7 females, aged 65-83 years, who underwent the repair of midface skin defects using V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to April 2023. Medium, large or complex midface skin defects developed after surgical resections of the primary lesions...

PURPOSE: To test cefiderocol, a siderophore-cephalosporin antibiotic for topical monotherapy treatment of experimental extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. DESIGN: Preclinical study. SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS: Deidentified P. aeruginosa keratitis isolates, XDR P. aeruginosa from eye drop outbreak, rabbits, saline, cefiderocol 50 mg/ml, ciprofloxacin 0.3%, and tobramycin 14 mg/ml. METHODS INTERVENTION OR TESTING: Cefiderocol antibacterial activity against P...

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of an eye that developed acute hydrops while being treated for infectious keratitis. OBSERVATION: A 35-year-old man presented with pain and blurred vision in his left eye. He had undergone cataract surgery seven years earlier and was being treated for poorly controlled atopic dermatitis. The decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the left eye was 0.01. Slit-lamp microscopy showed conjunctival injection, corneal opacification, and a corneal ulcer...