Mycotic keratitis due to rare fungal species Neoscytalidium: A case series

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a plant pathogen that rarely causes human infection. Very few cases of ocular infection have been reported. We report a case series of three patients who presented with keratitis caused by it. The culture showed effuse, white-to-grayish colonies with yellow-to-deep orange colony reverse. Chains of arthroconidia typical of Neoscytalidium were seen on staining with lactophenol cotton blue. Two patients responded to topical antifungal treatment while one needed therapeutic keratoplasty. Hence, early diagnosis and intensive antifungal treatment are essential for successful healing in mycotic keratitis caused by Neoscytalidium species.