Preliminary observations on tear film interferometry performed in horses.

This retrospective study evaluated tear film (TF) interferometry on horses examined in Northern Italy in 2019-2021. The objectives were to evaluate horses affected by keratitis, and to describe TF values in horses with no evidence of ocular disease. All horses received a complete ophthalmic examination and were examined with the Ocular Surface Analyser, Veterinary-setting, prior to eye manipulation, staining and sample collection. Eighteen horses with no evidence of ocular disease were included in the comparison group. Additionally, 46 horses displaying signs of keratitis (neovascularization, corneal opacities, ulceration, epithelial and subepithelial infiltrates) were evaluated. These horses were divided into presumed non-infectious and infectious or presumed infectious keratitis groups (one with proven bacterial origin, and the others with diagnosed or presumptive keratomycosis) with the former including immune-mediated keratitis. From the observations of TF interferometry in the comparison population the authors concluded that for non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), the estimated preliminary reference interval was 10.4-31.2s, and for tear meniscus height (TMH), it was 0.215-0.457mm. Moreover, within the keratitis population, from an interferometric point of view punctate lesions of the ocular surface were present in all cases of active diagnosed or presumptive subepithelial keratomycosis but not in any of the non-infectious cases, either non-ulcerative or ulcerative. Limitations of the study include a relatively low number of horses examined and the fact that the diagnosis of infectious keratitis was presumptive and based on clinical improvement after treatment in some cases. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of TF interferometry performed in horses.

A case of Candida albicans-induced fungal keratitis in a Chihuahua dog - with a focus on optical coherence tomographic features.

A 4-year-old Chihuahua dog was referred for bilateral corneal ulcers. Slightly raised white fluorescein-positive plaque-like corneal lesions in both eyes appeared as intense hyperreflective areas with posterior shadowing on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Based on corneal cytology and culture, Candida albicans-induced fungal keratitis was diagnosed. Despite treatment, on OCT, endothelial plaques, increased stromal infiltration thickness, vertical shapes of the ulcer edge, and necrotic stromal space were judged to be aggravation of the disease, and surgery was performed. Conjunctival grafting surgery with topical 1% voriconazole effectively resolved fungal keratitis. OCT can provide detailed and objective information related to the disease prognosis.

The conjunctival fungal microflora of horses in a North Queensland tropical environment and their in vitro susceptibilities to antifungal agents.

Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment and part of the commensal microflora on the conjunctiva of equine eyes. North Queensland, being tropical, presents an ideal environment for fungi growth. When the cornea is injured, fungi can invade the corneal stroma, resulting in keratomycosis. The objectives of this study were to determine the fungal species specific to the eyes of horses in the Townsville region; to investigate the potential risk factors associated with the presence of fungi; and to test their susceptibility to antifungals to create an empirical guide for treatment. The eyes of forty ophthalmologically normal horses from James Cook University were sampled throughout the summer months of December 2017, January 2018, and January and February 2020. Cultured fungi were identified morphologically, and their identity confirmed by comparing partial 18sRNA DNA sequences with the NCBI nucleotide database. Minimum inhibitory concentration testing of common antifungal medications was performed. Sixty-one out of eighty conjunctival samples grew fungi, and 21 different fungi genera were isolated. The most common genera were Aspergillus (18%, 26/141), Curvularia (14%,20/141), Rhodotorula (12%,17/141) and Penicillium (12%,17/141). No significant association was found between age or environmental factors and fungal culture status. Most fungi were highly susceptible to voriconazole and ketoconazole but resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B. This adds to the body of evidence on which species of fungi are present as normal ocular microflora of horses living in tropical regions of Australia, and an avenue for treating them.

IN VIVO CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF MYCOTIC KERATITIS IN OWLS (BUBO SCANDIACUS, STRIX VARIA) AND A WOODCOCK (SCOLOPAX MINOR): THREE CASES.

This case series describes the use of in vivo confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of mycotic keratitis in two owls (one Bubo scandiacus, one Strix varia) and one woodcock (Scolopax minor). Each bird was at increased risk of fungal infection due to recent injury or stress. Ophthalmic findings in all birds included blepharospasm, ocular discharge, ulcerative keratitis, white or yellow corneal plaques, and anterior uveitis. Fungal hyphae were identified in corneal samples from all three eyes examined cytologically and in all three eyes by using in vivo confocal microscopy. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from a corneal culture in one bird. Despite medical treatment, progressive ocular disease prompted enucleation in two birds. Fungal hyphae were detected by histopathology in one of the two enucleated eyes. In vivo confocal microscopy aided the diagnosis of fungal keratitis in all birds and was the only diagnostic method that allowed immediate, real-time quantification of the extent (area and depth) and severity of mycotic keratitis.

Molecular characterization of fungal endophthalmitis and keratitis caused by yeasts.

Candida species are the most common causes of sight-threatening fungal ocular infections in temperate regions of the world. Despite their relevance, little is known about the emergence of novel species and the molecular epidemiology of these infections. Here, we molecularly characterized 38 yeast isolates collected from patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis or keratitis at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from 2014 to 2021. Sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-/ITS2 regions demonstrated that this population of yeasts was dominated by Candida spp. (37 out of 38; 97%), with 58% of the cases caused by C. albicans (n = 22) and the remaining by emerging non-albicans species, predominantly by C. parapsilosis (n = 8) and C. dubliniensis (n = 6). One isolate each was identified as C. tropicalis and Clavispora lusitaniae. Interestingly, all C. dubliniensis were isolated from endophthalmitis and most C. parapsilosis from keratitis. Multilocus sequence typing analysis of C. albicans showed a prevalence of CC-1 isolates that has DST69 as the putative founder, with 64% of them belonging to this clonal complex (CC). Isolates grouped within this cluster were more predominant in endophthalmitis (10 out of 14; 71%). One C. albicans CC-1 isolate was multi-azole resistant. In conclusion, we observed that nearly half of the ocular infections caused by yeasts are associated with C. albicans, with evidence for the emergence of non-albicans species that are differentially enriched in distinct ocular niches. Candida albicans isolates clustered within the predominant CC-1 group were particularly more common in endophthalmitis, demonstrating a potential pattern of ocular disease enrichment within this clade.

Candida species are the most common pathogen responsible for ocular infections in the temperature regions of the world. Here, we sequenced and molecularly characterized the Candida species seen in patients who present to our hospital with infection to understand the species' distribution over time.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility of Fusarium species and Aspergillus fumigatus cultured from eleven horses with fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) and response to therapy of 6 Fusarium spp. and 5 Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from equine ulcerative keratitis cases. PROCEDURE: Fungi were identified by morphology and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequencing and evaluated at the University of Texas Fungal Testing Laboratory for susceptibility to three azole antifungals (miconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), natamycin, and two echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin). A Mann-Whitney rank sum test was used for the comparison of time to heal between infections of different fungal genera and in vitro susceptibility to the drug administered. RESULTS: Fusarium spp. were resistant to azole antifungals in 6/6 cases (100%). Fusarium spp. were susceptible to echinocandins and natamycin in all cases. A. fumigatus was resistant to anidulafungin in 1/5 cases (20%) and posaconazole in 1/5 cases (20%) The remainder of A. fumigatus isolates were susceptible to all antifungal agents tested. Fusarium isolates were treated with antifungals to which they were not susceptible; however, all cases of A. fumigatus were treated with antifungals to which they were susceptible. All Fusarium cases and A. fumigatus cases experienced clinical resolution, regardless of surgical intervention. There was no statistical correlation between fungal genus and time to heal (p < .082). CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro susceptibility indicated that all cases of Fusarium spp. were resistant to azole antifungal drugs which were used as treatment. Clinical outcomes, however, showed that all cases healed despite resistance to antifungals.

Clinical and microbiological analysis of fungal keratitis in Toronto, Canada: A 20-year study.

Fungal keratitis is a devastating and difficult-to-treat ocular infection with high morbidity. Understanding geographic microbiological and clinical trends helps to guide rapid and effective treatment. We therefore report the characteristics and outcomes of fungal keratitis in Toronto,ON Canada, over a 20-year period. An electronic search of microbiology records at University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada identified all patients with positive corneal fungal culture over a 20-year period seen at our tertiary referral cornea practice. Review of corresponding patient charts identified demographic and microbiological details, clinical course, treatment regimen, and final outcomes associated with each episode of culture-positive fungal keratitis. A total of 46 patients with 51 discrete fungal keratitis episodes were included. Five patients experienced recurrent fungal keratitis. Candida species accounted for 60.8% of positive fungal cultures, followed by Filamentous species at 35.3%. Preferred initial anti-fungal treatment was topical amphotericin at 36.7% followed by topical voriconazole at 32.6%. Surgical intervention was required in 48.9% with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty being the most common procedure (22.4%). Final visual acuity (VA) of <20/200 was attributed to 58% of patients in this study. Risk factors for poor outcomes included poor VA, topical steroid use at presentation, Candida involvement, history of ocular surface disease, organic ocular trauma, or prior corneal transplantation. Candida is the most frequent keratomycotic pathogen in Toronto. Risk factors for poor visual outcome include prior corneal transplantation, ocular surface disease/trauma, or pre-existing topical steroid use. Early suspicion, diagnosis and treatment are paramount for best clinical outcomes. LAY SUMMARY: Fungal keratitis can cause severe vision loss without effective treatment. In Toronto, Candida had been the most common species over a 20-year period. Poor clinical outcome was associated with low presenting visual acuity, previous corneal transplant, topical steroid use, trauma, and Candida involvement.

Utility of systemic voriconazole in equine keratomycosis based on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis of tear fluid following oral administration.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the detailed pharmacokinetics (PK) of orally administered voriconazole in tear fluid (TF) of horses for evaluating the efficacy of voriconazole secreted into TF against equine keratomycosis. ANIMALS STUDIED: Five healthy Thoroughbred horses. PROCEDURES: Voriconazole was administrated through a nasogastric tube to each horse at a single dose of 4.0 mg/kg. TF and blood samples were collected before and periodically throughout the 24 hours after administration. Voriconazole concentrations in plasma and TF samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem-mass spectrometry. The predicted voriconazole concentration in both samples following multiple dosing every 24 hours was simulated by the superposition principle. RESULTS: The mean maximum voriconazole concentrations in plasma and TF were 3.3 µg/mL at 1.5 h and 1.9 µg/mL at 1.6 h, respectively. Mean half-life in both samples were 16.4 and 25.2 h, respectively. The ratio of predicted AUC0-24 at steady state in TF (51.3 µg∙h/mL) to previously published minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Aspergillus and Fusarium species was >100 and 25.7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the detailed single-dose PK of voriconazole in TF after oral administration and simulated the predicted concentration curves in a multiple oral dosing. Based on the analyses of PK-PD, the simulation results indicated that repeated oral administration of voriconazole at 4.0 mg/kg/d achieves the ratio of AUC to MIC associated with treatment efficacy against Aspergillus species. The detailed PK-PD analyses against pathogenic fungi in TF can be used to provide evidence-based medicine for equine keratomycosis.

In vitro susceptibility of Aspergillus and Fusarium associated with equine keratitis to new antifungal drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of four fungal species isolated from horses presented with equine fungal keratitis (EFK) in the southeastern United States to previously untested azole, echinocandin, and carboxamide antifungal drugs. METHODS: In vitro assays were performed to determine the susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Fusarium falciforme, and F. keratoplasticum to five antifungal drugs representing three modes of action. RESULTS: Luliconazole exhibited increased growth inhibition against both Aspergillus and Fusarium compared to commonly used, standard antifungal drugs. MIC values for luliconazole at 0.001-0.002 µg/mL were at least 25-fold lower than all other antifungal drugs tested, including voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS: The increased antifungal activity of luliconazole observed in this study warrants further investigation for its potential as an antifungal drug for equine fungal keratitis.

Acremonium and trichosporon fungal keratoconjunctivitis in a Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius).

A 6-year-old male leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was presented with a 2-year history of recurrent dysecdysis involving the ocular surface of both eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed ocular surface desiccation and multifocal superficial ulcerative keratitis with patchy remnants of retained shed. Other abnormalities included stomatitis and mandibular and maxillary osteomyelitis. Topical and systemic antibiotic therapy, oral vitamin A, and improved husbandry conditions resolved the stomatitis and osteomyelitis but did not improve the ocular surface. Corneal cytology collected with a cytobrush revealed branching hyphae and budding yeast consistent with fungal keratitis. Fungal culture grew Acremonium sp. and Trichosporon sp. The addition of topical antifungal therapy improved the ocular surface health, but the patient was euthanized 7 weeks after initial presentation for persistent vomiting and dyspnea. Necropsy was declined. This case describes the first case of fungal keratitis caused by Acremonium sp. and Trichosporon sp. in a reptile.

Multi-locus DNA sequence analysis, antifungal agent susceptibility, and fungal keratitis outcome in horses from Southeastern United States.

Morphological characterization and multi-locus DNA sequence analysis of fungal isolates obtained from 32 clinical cases of equine fungal keratitis (FK) was performed to identify species and determine associations with antifungal susceptibility, response to therapy and clinical outcome. Two species of Aspergillus (A. flavus and A. fumigatus) and three species of Fusarium (F. falciforme, F. keratoplasticum, and F. proliferatum) were the most common fungi isolated and identified from FK horses. Most (91%) equine FK Fusarium nested within the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) with nine genetically diverse strains/lineages, while 83% of equine FK Aspergillus nested within the A. flavus clade with three genetically diverse lineages. Fungal species and evolutionary lineage were not associated with clinical outcome. However, species of equine FK Fusarium were more likely (p = 0.045) to be associated with stromal keratitis. Species of Aspergillus were more susceptible to voriconazole and terbinafine than species of Fusarium, while species of Fusarium were more susceptible to thiabendazole than species of Aspergillus. At the species level, A. fumigatus and A. flavus were more susceptible to voriconazole and terbinafine than F. falciforme. Natamycin susceptibility was higher for F. falciforme and A. fumigatus compared to A. flavus. Furthermore, F. falciforme was more susceptible to thiabendazole than A. flavus and A. fumigatus. These observed associations of antifungal sensitivity to natamycin, terbinafine, and thiabendazole demonstrate the importance of fungal identification to the species rather than genus level. The results of this study suggest that treatment of equine FK with antifungal agents requires accurate fungal species identification.

In vivo confocal microscopy characteristics of equine epithelial and subepithelial nonulcerative keratomycosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the in vivo confocal microscopy features of horses with epithelial and subepithelial nonulcerative keratomycosis. ANIMALS STUDIED: Four horses with a clinical diagnosis of epithelial or subepithelial keratomycosis. PROCEDURES: Horses were examined on one or more occasions by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy of the cornea. Confocal microscopic examination characteristics were correlated with clinical, cytological, and histopathological findings for the horses. RESULTS: All horses had an irregular corneal epithelial surface during slit-lamp biomicroscopy examination. Epithelial or subepithelial corneal opacities were present in multifocal or diffuse patterns. Positive rose bengal corneal staining was present focally or diffusely in all cases. Fungal hyphae were detected in cytological or histopathological corneal samples from all horses. Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. were cultured from corneal samples. Confocal microscopy detected hyphae diffusely distributed over the axial cornea in horses with epithelial clinical disease. Fungal hyphae were present in all layers of the corneal epithelium and associated with disorganized and sloughing epithelial cells with minimal leukocytes. Subepithelial keratomycosis was correlated with focal, dense accumulations of hyphae in the immediate subepithelial anterior stroma that were surrounded by moderate numbers of leukocytes. Two horses were examined by confocal microscopy on multiple occasions during the course of medical therapy, and fungal hyphae were observed to migrate from the epithelium into the subepithelial stroma as the clinical corneal disease progressed. CONCLUSIONS: With in vivo confocal microscopy, both epithelial and subepithelial keratomycosis appear as unique clinical entities. Equine epithelial keratomycosis is a potential precursor to subepithelial keratomycosis.

Microbiota of the conjunctival sac of 120 healthy cats.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the conjunctiva and factors influencing these microbiota of healthy cats. To evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profile and discuss the use of appropriate antimicrobial drugs. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and twenty healthy cats PROCEDURES: Conjunctival samples with dry or premoistened swabs were obtained from both eyes and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. In vitro bacterial, susceptibility testing was performed. The effects of age, sex, breed, season, living environment, and sample collection technique on the frequency and composition of microbial isolation were evaluated. RESULTS: In 49 of 120 cats (40.8%) and 73 of 240 swabs (30.4%), microorganisms were isolated. Of the isolates, 71% (61/86) were Gram-positive bacteria, 26% (22/86) were Gram-negative bacteria, and 3% (3/86) were fungi. Staphylococcus felis (17/86; 19.8%) was the most commonly isolated species. Moraxella osloensis (5/86; 5.8%) was the most frequent Gram-negative species. The season had a statistically significant influence (P = 0.04) on the frequency of isolation. The use of premoistened swabs increased the rate of Gram-positive bacterial detection significantly (P = 0.03). The in vitro susceptibility testing showed high efficacy of chloramphenicol, gentamicin, pradofloxacin, and enrofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated microbiota aligns with previous studies performed in other countries, although the microbiota of cats in the present study showed wider bacterial diversity, and more Gram-negative species were isolated. Swab sampling should be performed with premoistened swabs. The topical antimicrobials gentamicin and chloramphenicol are suitable therapeutics for first-line treatment.

Identification of bacteria and fungi sampled from the conjunctival surface of normal horses in South-East Queensland, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify bacteria and fungi found on the conjunctival surface of normal horse eyes; to investigate potential risk factors for these microflora; and to determine their susceptibility to common topical ophthalmic antimicrobials. ANIMALS STUDIED: A total of 95 client-owned horses were studied. PROCEDURES: Horses within sub-tropical Australia (South-East Queensland) were sampled once between April 2012 and March 2013. A conjunctival swab was taken from each eye and cultured for aerobic bacteria and fungi. Organisms were identified by colony morphology and phenotype. Antimicrobial disk diffusion susceptibility testing for commonly used antimicrobials was performed. RESULTS: Positive bacterial cultures were returned from 187/190 (98.4%) eyes from 94/95 (98.9%) horses. The most common species included Staphylococcus spp. (25.2% of total bacterial isolates), Bacillus cereus (17.4%), Bacillus spp. (14.1%), and Corynebacterium spp. (8.9%). Most bacterial isolates were susceptible to neomycin and fluoroquinolones. Positive fungal cultures were returned from 111/190 (58.4%) eyes from 73 (76.8%) horses. The most common species identified included: Penicillium spp. (16.7% of fungal isolates), Aspergillus spp. (15.4%), and Scopulariopsis spp. (10.3%). Most (≥90%) molds were susceptible to ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and miconazole. Yeasts were most susceptible to ketoconazole. There was no significant effect of breed, age, sex, purpose, or housing of the horse or climatic conditions on bacterial or fungal culture status. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria and fungi were commonly isolated from the eyes of healthy horses. The antibiotic and antifungal susceptibilities identified can be used as a guide for empirical therapy after cytology in the treatment of corneal ulceration in horses.

Clinical management of Candida albicans keratomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

OBJECTIVE: Corneal ulceration secondary to trauma commonly affects marine mammals, often with opportunistic secondary bacterial or fungal infections. This report characterizes the combined use of auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerve blocks, adipose-derived stem cells, and subconjunctival injections for successful treatment of corneal trauma and infection in dolphins. ANIMAL STUDIED: An 11-year-old, female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with bilateral diffuse corneal opacities, which progressed to keratomycosis caused by Candida albicans. PROCEDURE: Aggressive medical management was employed, including the use of subconjunctival injections of adipose-derived stem cells, plasma, topical and oral antifungals and antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Anesthetic block of the auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerves was employed to evaluate the corneas. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injections were employed over 52 days, followed by topical drops for 5 months. At last evaluation, there was no evidence of blepharospasm bilaterally. Only a faint superficial gray corneal opacity remained OS. A temporal paraxial corneal opacity was present OD, with receding inactive vascularization and a small amount of melanosis temporally.

Antifungal Therapy in Equine Ocular Mycotic Infections.

Fungi are clinically important causes of ocular infections in the horse. Keratomycosis is the most common; however, a diverse range of mycotic infections, affecting numerous ocular tissues, may be encountered. Many equine mycoses are diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to minimize morbidity and reduce the likelihood of vision loss. Knowledge of the characteristics and properties of equine ophthalmology antifungal medications is essential to selecting an optimal treatment strategy, including selection of appropriate medication and effective administration route. Newer delivery methods and devices are available and can contribute to an improved outcome in select situations.

Biofilms of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses with reduced azole susceptibility: a complicating factor for the treatment of keratomycosis?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the biofilm-forming ability of Candida spp. from the ocular conjunctiva of horses and to investigate the antifungal susceptibility of these biofilms. PROCEDURES: Initially, the biofilm-forming ability of 15 strains was assessed by crystal violet staining, which reveals the fungal biomass adhered to the polystyrene plates, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and caspofungin were initially determined against strains in planktonic form. Afterward, antifungal susceptibility of mature biofilms was evaluated by exposing them to 10 × MIC and 50 × MIC of the tested drugs, followed by the assessment of their metabolic activity, using the oxidoreduction indicator XTT. Results were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey's post-test, and P-values below 5% led to significant conclusions. RESULTS: Eight strains produced biofilms and were classified as strong (1/15), moderate (3/15) and weak (4/15) producers, according to the amount of crystal violet retained by the adhered fungal biomass. Biofilm metabolic activity of one C. tropicalis did not decrease after exposure to the tested antifungals, while biofilm metabolic activity of five strains was reduced by amphotericin B, but not the other drugs. One C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and one C. glabrata showed significant reduction in biofilm metabolic activity after exposure to fluconazole, itraconazole, and caspofungin, but not amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that Candida from the ocular conjunctiva of horses can pose as a risk to animal health as they are capable of forming biofilms, which are commonly involved in fungal keratitis.

Endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis in a dog with candiduria and Evans syndrome.

This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, histologic lesions, and outcome of endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis secondary to candiduria in a three-year-old female spayed Dachshund. The dog was being treated for Evans syndrome for one month prior to being diagnosed with candiduria and fibrinous uveitis OS. The left eye was enucleated due to secondary glaucoma, and the fungal urinary tract infection was treated successfully. Uveitis developed in the contralateral eye with relapse of the urinary tract infection in the following weeks. The right eye was medically managed until secondary glaucoma developed and was subsequently enucleated. Histopathology of both eyes showed evidence of endophthalmitis with intralesional fungal organisms, consistent with Candida spp. Ocular candidiasis is rare in dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis with concurrent candiduria in a dog.

Impact of fungal species cultured on outcome in horses with fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the significance of Aspergillus and Fusarium spp., as identified by culture, on clinical outcome in equine keratomycosis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 66 horses (66 eyes) evaluated at the NCSU-VH diagnosed with keratomycosis from which Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. were cultured. Horses were classified into those who improved with medical management alone or those who required surgical intervention to improve. Horses who underwent surgery were divided into globe-sparing procedures or enucleation. Effects of bacterial co-infection, previous topical steroid or antifungal use, and time of year on fungal genus and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Aspergillus spp. was cultured from 41 eyes (63%), while 24 eyes (37%) cultured Fusarium spp. One horse cultured both species and was not included in further evaluation. From the horses that cultured Aspergillus spp., 28 eyes (68%) required surgical intervention to control the infection: 21 (75%) of these eyes maintained globe integrity, while 7 eyes (25%) were enucleated. Of those horses with Fusarium spp., 14 eyes (58%) required surgical intervention: 11 (79%) of these eyes maintained globe integrity, while 3 eyes (21%) were enucleated. Genus of fungus cultured was not significantly associated with the need for surgical intervention nor was it significantly associated with the necessity of globe-sparing surgery versus enucleation. Additionally, bacterial co-infection, previous steroidal or antifungal use, and time of year did not affect outcome or type of fungal species cultured. CONCLUSION: Equine keratomycosis from Fusarium spp. compared to keratomycosis from Aspergillus spp. is not associated with a different clinical outcome.