Tsukamurella: an unrecognized mimic of atypical mycobacterial keratitis? The first case report.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to report on Tsukamurella as a mimic of atypical mycobacterial infection.


METHODS
We report a patient who had received repeated corneal grafts with culture-proven Tsukamurella keratitis.


RESULTS
A slow-progressing corneal abscess that initially developed adjacent to a corneal stitch responded poorly to empiric antibiotic treatment. A preliminary culture report revealed fast-growing mycobacterial species. Treatment adjustments successfully controlled the disease. A final diagnosis of Tsukamurella was subsequently made on the basis of cultures.


CONCLUSIONS
Tsukamurella exhibits laboratory similarities to mycobacteria and should be considered in the differential of atypical infection of the ocular surface.
Tam
Patrick M K
PM
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
Young
Alvin L
AL
Cheng
Lulu
L
Congdon
Nathan
N
Lam
Philip T H
PT
D000192:Actinomycetales / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000193:Actinomycetales Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000583:Amikacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012086:Reoperation
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000583:Amikacin; D015242:Ofloxacin