Curvularia Keratomycosis after Cataract Surgery

Introduction Curvularia is an emerging dematiaceous/melanized/phaeoid hyphomycete causing ocular curvulariosis including keratomycosis, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, sino-orbital cellulitis, and endophthalmitis. Curvularia ketatomycosis may be associated with satellite stromal infiltrates, immune rings, Descement’s folds, iriditis, and endothelial plaque. Surgical trauma followed by delayed tissue healing may render cornea susceptible to invasion by exogenous air-dispersed conidia from environment. Cases Presentation Curvularia lunata keratomycosis occurred in 2 military veterans after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation without any history of trauma. Topical 5% natamycin was effective for treatment resulting in minimal residual scar. Complete recovery and uneventful 1-year follow-up period was observed. Conclusions Seven out of 30 Curvularia species are emerging as opportunistic human pathogens from being primary phytopathogens. With increasing ocular surgeries in the diabetic populace amongst general population including military veterans, a high index of clinical and microbiological suspicion is required for optimal diagnosis of emerging pathogens in post-operative keratomycosis.