Phaeohyphomycosis of the eye caused by Exserohilum rostratum in India

Abstract

A 40-year-old woman developed a corneal ulcer with hypopyon following a traumatic episode. In a KOH mount dematiaceous, septate, branched hyphae were demonstrated, and heavy growth of Exserohilum rostratum was obtained in culture. No bacterial pathogens were isolated. The patient was treated with natamycin and subsequently with ketoconazole. In spite of antimycotic therapy a descemetocele of the eye remained. This observation represents the first documented case of an Exserohilum infection in India.