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Br J Ophthalmol 2003;87:409-410 doi:10.1136/bjo.87.4.409
  • Scientific correspondence

Confocal microscopy of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

  1. A M Avunduk1,
  2. R W Beuerman2,
  3. E D Varnell2,
  4. H E Kaufman2
  1. 1Karadeniz Technical University Medical School, Trabzon, Turkey
  2. 2Louisiana State University Eye Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
  1. Correspondence to: Avni Murat Avunduk, Karadeniz Technical University Medical School, Trabzon, Turkey; avunduk{at}ttnet.net.tr
  • Accepted 9 November 2002

Abstract

Aim: To use a confocal microscope to characterise the treated and untreated courses of fungal keratitis.

Methods: In the first experiment, Aspergillus fumigatus stromal keratitis was produced in both eyes of seven New Zealand white rabbits. In the second experiment, keratitis was induced in right eyes of 20 rabbits. Group 1 rabbits were treated with topical fluconazole, group 2 rabbits received oral fluconazole, and group 3 rabbits were used as controls. The rabbits were examined with a slit lamp and confocal microscope 2, 6, 10, 14, and 20 days after inoculation. The corneal cultures were taken on days 2, 14, and 20 and biopsies were taken on days 2 and 22.

Results: On days 14 and 22 confocal microscopy was more sensitive than culture technique in both treated and untreated animals, since not all cases of fungal keratitis can be cultured.

Conclusion: This study indicates that confocal microscopy is a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool for both the early diagnosis and non-invasive follow up of fungal keratitis

Footnotes

    Responses to this article

    • Comments on Confocal Microscopy of Aspergillus Fumigatus Keratitis
      • Dorothy S.P. Fan,
      • David T.L. Liu, Wai-Man Chan, Dennis S.C. Lam
      Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009
    • Author's reply
      • Avni M Avunduk,
      • Roger W. Beuerman, Emily D Varnell, and Herbert E Kaufman
      Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009

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