Open Access Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology                                                (OAJMB)
                                                                                                    
ISSN: 2576-7771 
                                                                                            
                                         
                                        
                                            Case Report                                        
                                     
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                            Keratitis X Acremonium: A Case Report and Literature Review                                        
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                            Authors:
                                            
                                                        Vanessa Cordeiro Dias
                                                        
                                                            
                                                        
                                                    , 
                                                        Robert Gomes Cotta
                                                    , 
                                                        Ricardo Villela Bastos
                                                    , 
                                                        Lucas Quinet de Andrade Bastos
                                                    , 
                                                        Victor Quinet de Andrade Bastos
                                                     and 
                                                        André Netto Bastos
                                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                DOI:
                                                
                                                    10.23880/oajmb-16000187                                                
                                            
                                                                             
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                        Abstract
                                         Purpose: Describe an unusual development of fungal keratitis caused by Acremonium sp in six patients who underwent cataract surgery at an ophthalmology service in Brazil, as well as to report the origin of these infections. 
Methods: Swabs from the affected corneas were collected to perform culture for bacteria and fungi. These materials were sown in Blood agar (Difco/ USA), Macconkey agar (Difco/USA) and Thioglycolate broth (Difco/USA) for bacterial research and Sabouraud agar (Difco/ USA) for fungi research. A microbiological study was carried out to analyze surgical instruments, the environment and other materials used in the surgeries.
Results: Case reports occurred with six patients, all aged over 71 and 85 years, who underwent a surgical procedure for cataract correction by an Ophthalmology service. After surgery, these patients presented loss of unilateral visual capacity, with the formation of a white mass on the cornea. Swabs from the affected corneas were collected to perform culture for bacteria and fungi, in specific culture media. The bacterial cultures showed negative results. Fungal cultures revealed the presence of Acremonium spp. 
Conclusions: It is likely that Acremonium spores found in the wardrobe were deposited on all the sterile material stored there. At the time of cataract surgeries, this material was unpacked and fungal structures became detached and found in the surgical field of these patients' eyes a gateway. Thus, cleaning and sanitizing measures for surfaces must be implemented and monitored, especially in critical areas such as in hospital areas, in order to avoid damage to patients' health. 
                                        Keywords: Keratitis; Acremonium; Cataract Surgeries; Fungal
                                        
                                            
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