Efficacy of topical and systemic itraconazole as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent in mycotic corneal ulcer. A preliminary study

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical (1%) and systemic itraconazole against common fungi such as Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi that cause mycotic corneal ulcer. Methods: A prospective randomised, controlled study was done in 54 clinically suspected cases of fungal keratitis of which 44 were culture proven. Half the cases (n=27) with superficial involvement were treated with only topical itraconazole (1%) and the other half were treated with both topical and systemic itraconazole. Results:Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium were the most common fungi isolated. The ulcer resolved in 42 eyes (77%) and 12 eyes (23%) did not respond well to treatment. Four of 12 non-responding eyes were caused by Fusarium species. Conclusion: Itraconazole, given either topically or systemically, is effective in treating mycotic corneal ulcers.