Apophysomyces elegans: a novel cause of endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent individual

Int Ophthalmol. 2014 Dec;34(6):1285-9. doi: 10.1007/s10792-014-9999-4. Epub 2014 Sep 3.

Abstract

A 20-year-old male presented with sudden onset redness, pain, and decreased vision in his left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was noted to be perception of light positive with inaccurate projection. On clinical examination, he was diagnosed to have left eye endogenous endophthalmitis. Smear and culture of vitreous biopsy were positive for Apophysomyces elegans, a fungus known to cause extensive soft tissue infections systemically characteristically in immunocompetent individual. The patient was treated aggressively with topical, systemic, and intravitreal antifungals but had a poor visual and anatomical outcome. This is a first known report of endogenous endophthalmitis due to Apophysomyces elegans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Endophthalmitis / microbiology*
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Male
  • Mucormycosis / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents