Case Report August 05, 2026 August 05, 2026

Fungal corneal ulcer

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260072

ABSTRACT

This study shows an unusual case report of corneal ulcer caused by the fungus talaromyces marneffei, highlighting its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic management. A 53-year-old male patient, immunocompetent, presented to ophthalmic care with complaints of ocular pain and decreased vision in the right eye. Examination revealed a central infiltrative corneal ulcer, with microbiological cultures identifying talaromyces marneffei, a rare occurrence in ocular infections. Initial treatment included antibiotic and antifungal eye drops, later adjusted to systemic antifungal therapy. After weeks of treatment, there was significant improvement, with ulcer healing and partial vision recovery. This case underscores the importance of recognizing uncommon ocular infections and the need for appropriate therapeutic approaches for favorable clinical outcomes. It also highlights the relevance of collaboration between ophthalmologists and microbiologists for the diagnosis and effective management of such conditions, aiming to prevent serious complications and preserve the patient’s visual function. Although it was slow, T. marneffei responded well to treatment with amphotericin and ketoconazole. It behaved as a fungus with low penetrance into intraocular environments.