[Eye infections caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum: A case report and literature review].

BACKGROUND

Purpureocillium lilacinum eye infections (previously called Paecilomyces lilacinus) make up a significant percentage of the recorded cases of infection by this fungus, and is considered as an emerging pathogen.

AIMS: To report a case of ocular mycosis in a patient aged 70, with a double corneal transplantation in the right eye, and exhibiting a poor response to antifungal and surgical treatment.

METHODS

Corneal ring and ocular tissues obtained by surgical procedures were cultured in common mycological media. Molecular identification of the isolated fungus was obtained.

RESULTS

Colonies of a filamentous fungus were obtained, and according to the macroscopic and microscopic morphology it was identified as P. lilacinum. The identification was confirmed by molecular methods in a reference laboratory.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye infections due to P. lilacinum are rare but serious diseases that requires rapid diagnostic and therapeutic measures to enable visual function to recover.