Resolution of microsporidial sinusitis and keratoconjunctivitis by itraconazole treatment.

PURPOSE: To report successful treatment of ocular infection caused by the microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a person with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and nasal and paranasal sinus infection.

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS

Microsporidial infection in a person with AIDS and with chronic sinusitis and keratoconjunctivitis was diagnosed by Weber modified trichrome stain and transmission electron microscopy. Symptoms completely resolved with itraconazole treatment (200 mg/day for 8 weeks) after albendazole therapy (400 mg/day for 6 weeks) was unsuccessful.

CONCLUSION

Itraconazole can be recommended in ocular, nasal, and paranasal sinus infection caused by E. cuniculi parasites when treatment with albendazole fails.