A patient with suspected fungal keratitis undergoes corneal scraping. Which organism is the most common cause of fungal keratitis in tropical regions like India?
- A Candida albicans
- B Fusarium species ✓
- C Aspergillus fumigatus
- D Nocardia asteroides
Correct answer: B. Fusarium species
Explanation
Fusarium species are the most common cause of fungal keratitis in tropical and subtropical regions, including India. Aspergillus is also common but second to Fusarium in tropical settings. Candida is more common in temperate regions and in pre-existing corneal disease or immunocompromised patients. Nocardia is a filamentous bacterium, not a fungus.
Reference: AAO BCSC Section 8: External Disease and Cornea, 2022-2023 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.