New pyrenochaeta species causing keratitis

Abstract

We report a new fungus as an agent of fungal keratitis in a diabetic woman. The fungal etiology was established by classic microbiology and PCR following 3 months of antibacterial therapy. The morphological features of the isolate and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region indicate a new species of Pyrenochaeta (Coelomycetes).

FIG. 1.

(A) Clinical picture of the left eye showing conjunctival hyperemia, peripheral corneal pannus, corneal edema, and a central ulcer with white infiltrates. (B) Calcofluor white staining of a corneal biopsy sample showing fungi invading the cornea. Original magnification, ×400.

FIG. 2.

Light microscopic images of Pyrenochaeta sp. (accession no. CBS 121759) on oatmeal agar at 20°C. (A and B) Pycnidia with setae (arrows). Scale bar = 50 μm. (C) Transverse view of the pycnidial wall with conidiophores and conidiogenous cells. Scale bar = 10 μm. (D) Surface view of the conidiomatal wall with dark intercellular material. Scale bar = 10 μm. (E) Conidia from pycnidia. Scale bar = 5 μm.