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Trachipleistophora hominis: molecular characterization of a rare pathogen causing microsporidial stromal keratitis

    Suchita Pandey

    Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500034, India

    ,
    Prashant Garg

    Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India

    &
    Joveeta Joseph

    *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +91 403 061 2517;

    E-mail Address: joveeta@lvpei.org

    Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500034, India

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb-2022-0082

    The authors report the clinical and microbiological findings of a unique case of stromal keratitis caused by a rare microsporidium, Trachipleistophora hominis. This case of stromal keratitis was in a 49-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 infection and diabetes mellitus. Corneal scraping specimens revealed numerous microsporidia spores upon microscopic examination. PCR of the corneal button revealed the presence of T. hominis infection, which could be controlled by penetrating keratoplasty surgery. The graft was clear with no recurrence of infection until the last follow-up 6 weeks postsurgery. This is the first case of human stromal keratitis caused by this organism in a post-COVID infection, confirmed by molecular diagnosis.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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