Incidence and characterization of Fusarium species from mycotic keratitis infections

Abstract

Mycotic keratitis has been found to account for 6% to 50% of all cases of ulcerated keratitis. Fusarium species, and in particular Fusarium so/ani, is the most frequent cause of mycotic infections of the cornea. These infections lead to a marked loss of vision and eventually a complete perforation of the cornea if not correctly diagnosed and treated. Fusarium species produce toxic mycotoxins that are known to exert adverse health effects in humans and animals. However, very few attempts have been made to establish the mycotoxin-producing capabilities of clinical isolates of Fusarium species from keratitis infections or any other human infections for that matter.