Efficacy of topical and systemic itraconazole as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent in mycotic corneal ulcer. A preliminary study.

Agarwal, P K; Roy, P; Das, A; Banerjee, A; Maity, P K; Banerjee, A R

Efficacy of topical and systemic itraconazole as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent in mycotic corneal ulcer. A preliminary study.

Date

2001-09-13

Authors

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical (1%) and systemic itraconazole against common fungi such as Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi that cause mycotic corneal ulcer. METHODS: A prospective randomised, controlled study was done in 54 clinically suspected cases of fungal keratitis of which 44 were culture proven. Half the cases (n=27) with superficial involvement were treated with only topical itraconazole (1%) and the other half were treated with both topical and systemic itraconazole. RESULTS: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium were the most common fungi isolated. The ulcer resolved in 42 eyes (77%) and 12 eyes (23%) did not respond well to treatment. Four of 12 non-responding eyes were caused by Fusarium species. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole, given either topically or systemically, is effective in treating mycotic corneal ulcers.

Citation

Agarwal PK, Roy P, Das A, Banerjee A, Maity PK, Banerjee AR. Efficacy of topical and systemic itraconazole as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent in mycotic corneal ulcer. A preliminary study. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2001 Sep; 49(3): 173-6