Candida Conjunctivitis in Children

Zulhijjah Yati Syari, Havriza Vitresia, Kemala Sayuti

Ophthalmology Pediatrics and Immunology Infection Division
Department of Opthalmology, Medical Faculty of Andalas University / Dr. M. Djamil Hospital
Padang, West Sumatra

Abstract

Introduction :. Fungal conjunctivitis is rarely observed clinically. It is an uncommon disease,

isolation of fungi from normal conjunctival sac occurs in 6 to 25% of normal individuals.

Objective : To report a case with candida conjunctivitis in children.

Methods : A boys, 1 y.o present with a four days history of redness, swelling, discharge, and watery
eyes of LE. RE was normal. No history of trauma. Ophthamology examinations found hyperemic
superior tarsal conjunctiva LE, cornea was clear. Diagnosis of conjunctivitis was made, then
chloramphenicol eye ointment given. Six days later, the patient came with prominent swelling of
eyelid and report with blood discharge. We found irregularities and thick membran in superior tarsal
conjunctival of LE, cornea still clear. Release of conjunctival membran was perform and sent to
pathology and microbiology examinations. Systemic intravenous ceftriaxone, levofloxacin eyedrop
were added. Few days later, eyelid edema reduced significantly, but conjunctival membran have to
released everyday, with still irregularities surface. The child is examined by a pediatrician to rule out
the possibility of a diphtheria disease. One week later, microbiology culture show positive for
candida, and pathology examination found no cancer cell. The treatment was added with fluoconazole
eyedrop.

Result : There is a significant clinical improvement, the conjunctival membrane is reduced and
conjunctival surface becomes more slippery and smooth.

Conclusion : In the case of unilateral, membranous conjunctivitis, with slow response to topical
antibiotics, the diagnosis of candida conjunctivitis may be considered.

Keywords : Fungal Conjunctivitis, children.