Resolution of microsporidial sinusitis and keratoconjunctivitis by itraconazole treatment

PURPOSE: To report successful treatment of ocular infection caused by the microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a person with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and nasal and paranasal sinus infection. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: Microsporidial infection in a person with AIDS and with chronic sinusitis and keratoconjunctivitis was diagnosed by Weber modified trichrome stain and trans mission electron microscopy. Symptoms completely re solved with itraconazole treatment (200 mg/day for 8 weeks) after albendazole therapy (400 mg/day for 6 weeks) was unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole can be recommended in ocular, nasal, and paranasal sinus infection caused by E. cuniculi parasites when treatment with albendazole fails. (Am J Ophthalmol 1999;127:210-212. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.)