Fungal keratitis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus associated with a retained intracorneal hair

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of fungal keratitis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus (P. lilacinus) associated with a retained intracorneal hair. METHODS: A 61-year-old man developed pain, decreased vision, hyperemia, and corneal infiltrates in his right eye without any predisposing factor. An intracorneal hair had migrated superiorly in the corneal stroma, giving rise to 3 separate stromal infiltrates. The patient demonstrated a waxing and waning course over several months despite antimicrobial and steroid therapy. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination of a corneal biopsy specimen disclosed the presence of fungal elements, and intensive antifungal therapy was initiated. Verticillium sp. was init..