Alternaria fungus growing on top of cyanoacrylate glue in a patient with perforated corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a case where Alternaria fungus grew on top of cyanoacrylate glue used to seal a perforated corneal ulcer.

OBSERVATIONS: We document the clinical course of a rare case of Alternaria keratitis over the course of 6 months. Despite the purported antifungal properties of cyanoacrylate glue demonstrated in vitro, this case provides in vivo evidence that this substance can serve as a scaffold on which pathogenic fungi may grow.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates the importance of close follow up of patients with corneal glue patches in place. Ophthalmologists should continue to inspect the cornea and glue for possible development of secondary infection, particularly with concomitant contact lens and/or steroid use.