Fungal keratitis due to Rhodotorula glutinis: A Case Report

We describe a case of mycotic keratitis involving a rare fungus and review the literature on Rhodotorula keratitis. A 40-year-old man was struck in the right eye with a tree branch and developed a corneal ulcer involving the anterior portion of the cornea. Cultures grew Rhodotorula glutinis. The patient was initially treated with topical amphotericin, but only improved with topical and intracameral voriconazole administration. The corneal infiltrate resolved, leaving an anterior stromal scar, and the patient’s best-corrected visual acuity was 20/60 in the involved eye. Cases of Rhodotorula keratitis can pose a challenge to the ophthalmologist, with the diagnosis and the treatment regimen, as this yeast may not respond well to commercially available drugs. We report a case of Rhodotorula keratitis that was only resolved with voriconazole. Our case rein- forces the importance of the early diagnosis and correct management of fungal keratitis involving this rare, but potentially damaging yeast.