Tsukamurella: An Unrecognized Mimic of Atypical Mycobacterial Keratitis? The First Case Report

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report on Tsukamurella as a mimic of atypical mycobacterial infection. METHODS: We report a patient who had received repeated corneal grafts with culture-proven Tsukamurella keratitis. RESULTS: A slow-progressing corneal abscess that initially developed adjacent to a corneal stitch responded poorly to empiric antibiotic treatment. A preliminary culture report revealed fast-growing mycobacterial species. Treatment adjustments successfully controlled the disease. A final diagnosis of Tsukamurella was subsequently made on the basis of cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Tsukamurella exhibits laboratory similarities to mycobacteria and should be considered in the differential of atypical infection of the ocular surface.