Cladosporium species –a rare etiological agent of corneal ulcer

K.Sai leela
Page No. 89-91

Saprophytic fungi can invade the cornea and result in Keratomycosis. Ocular surfaces which have
been suffered trauma predispose this condition. Fungal etiology may vary depending on
geographical location and climatic temperature. Due to the profound use of steroids and antibiotic,
its incidence has increased over the years.1 Diagnosis and treatment of keratomycosis has become a
challenge to ophthalmologists because of its resistance to treatment. Dematiaceous fungi are one of
the fungal etiologies of corneal ulcer.2 As they are the contaminants, it is necessary to confirm the
pathogenesity of such etiological agents. Repeated sample collection and other procedures to
demonstrate the invasion is difficult in corneal ulcer. In this case etiological role of Cladosporium
species is confirmed by improvement of the clinical condition