From Skin to Cornea: A Rare Case of Dermatophyte Keratitis Caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale
Tanya Sachan1*, Tanya Pandey2, Rajat Verma3
1Autonomous State Medical College, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Autonomous State Medical College, Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3Prasad Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Corresponding Author:Tanya Sachan, Autonomous State Medical College, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAMB.2026.07.007
Received: May 13, 2025
Published: June 16, 2026
Citation: Sachan T, Pandey T, Verma R. From Skin to Cornea: A Rare Case of Dermatophyte Keratitis Caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes/ interdigitale. SVOA Microbiology 2026, 7:3, 64-69. doi: 10.58624/SVOAMB.2026.07.007
Abstract
Introduction: Fungal keratitis is a major cause of corneal blindness in tropical countries, with filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus and Fusarium being the most common etiological agents. Dermatophytes, although frequently responsible for superficial infections of skin, hair, and nails, are rarely implicated in corneal infections. Their involvement in keratitis is uncommon and often associated with delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 58-year-old male agricultural worker who presented with progressive pain, redness, and visual impairment in the right eye. The patient had a history of chronic dermatophytosis and onychomycosis, with prolonged use of over-the-counter topical steroid-containing preparations. Ocular examination revealed a central corneal ulcer with stromal infiltrates and hypopyon. Direct microscopy of corneal scrapings showed septate hyaline hyphae, and culture yielded white, granular colonies. Microscopic morphology demonstrated round to pyriform microconidia and spiral hyphae. Identification by MALDI-TOF MS confirmed Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale. The patient was managed with antifungal therapy; however, the response was limited due to advanced disease.
Discussion: Dermatophyte keratitis is a rare entity and may occur in the presence of predisposing factors such as epithelial disruption, chronic dermatophytosis, and corticosteroid misuse. The clinical presentation often mimics other filamentous fungal infections, making microbiological confirmation essential. Early diagnosis using microscopy, culture, and molecular methods is critical for appropriate management. This case highlights the need to consider dermatophytes as potential, though uncommon, causative agents of fungal keratitis to prevent delayed treatment and adverse outcomes.
Keywords: Fungal keratitis, Dermatophytes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale, Corneal ulcer
