Donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans after corneal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To report donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans after penetrating keratoplasty.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
A 15-year-old boy who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus with donor tissue from a drowning victim developed keratitis and a lenticular abscess 26 days postoperatively.


RESULTS
Candida albicans was cultured from the donor rim and the recipient cornea. Antifungal sensitivity profiles were identical for the two isolates. DNA profiles were identical for both isolates, confirming the donor as the source of the infection.


CONCLUSIONS
This case demonstrates the value of routine culture of corneal donor rims and the advisability of close follow-up and possible antifungal prophylaxis when donor rims are positive for fungus.
Sutphin
John E
JE
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1091, USA. sutphinj@horus.ophth.uiowa.edu
Pfaller
Michael A
MA
Hollis
Richard J
RJ
Wagoner
Michael D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D014019:Tissue Donors
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004271:DNA, Fungal; D000666:Amphotericin B