Epidemiological profile of fungal keratitis in Sfax (Tunisia).

UNLABELLED: Fungal keratitis is responsible for a significant burden of blinding disease in the developing world. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the etiological agents, predisposing factors and therapy of keratomycosis in our region. METHODS: Retrospective study of 60 patients with clinically and cultured confirmed fungi keratitis, who were attended at department of mycology in Sfax (1995 to 2012). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 47.2 years (sex ratio: 1.58). At least, one presumed predisposing factor was identified in 83.3% of cases. Corneal traumatism was established as the most common predisposing factor (61.6%) with vegetative matter (42.4%). Patients had corneal ulcer in 40% or abscess in 47.6%. All cases were positive on direct microscopy and 93% of cultures were positive. Filamentous fungi form the major etiologic agents (83%): Fusarium species (49% with F. solani [66%]), Aspergillus sp. (22%), Alternaria (5%), Scedosporium sp. (2%); and non-identified mold in (5%). Yeast were identified in 17% of cases. Topical agents were used in 97% of cases: ketoconazole 2%, amphotericin B (0.5%). Fluconazole per os was administrated for 11% of cases, itraconazole (2 cases) and voriconazole (one case). Keratoplasty was indicated for 27% of cases. The outcome was favorable in 16% of patients. Among the patients, 71% had persistent corneal deposit sequelae. Four patients lost the eyeball. CONCLUSION: Corneal traumatism was the principal risk factor for fungal keratitis in young and middle-aged farmers. Fusarium solani is the predominant cause in Sfax. Early diagnosis, coupled with appropriate treatment, is crucial for increasing the chance of complete recovery.

[Human demodicidosis in Sfax area (Tunisia)]. / La démodécidose humaine dans la région de Sfax (Tunisie).

Demodicidosis is an ectoparasitosis, common to humans and many mammals. It is caused by the proliferation of a mite Demodex sp in the pilosebaceous follicles. Its pathogenic role remains controversial. The aim of our study was to report epidemiological and clinical particularities of cases of demodicidosis diagnosed in our region. Over a period of nine years (January 2000 to December 2008), 427 cases of demodicidosis were diagnosed. 73.2% of cases were blepharitis and 26.8% of cases were facial dermatosis. The mean age was 44 years. Women were slightly more affected (56%) than men. Among 787 chronic blepharitis, 243 cases were due to Demodex sp (30.9%). They were treated with yellow oxide of mercury (Ophtergine® 1%). In the face, this mite has been isolated from erythematous and pruritic papulopustular lesions, and their distribution was as follows: cheeks (22.1%), forehead (13.4%), and nose (11.5%). The diagnosis was confirmed by parasitological examination of scales showing more than 5 Demodex sp/cm(2) and response to treatment with metronidazole (Flagyl®) for three months. Currently, there were a large number of arguments for the incrimination of Demodex sp in pathogenesis of dermatosis and blepharitis. Dermatologists and ophthalmologists must therefore think to this mite. The density of Demodex sp found by parasitological exam is a determining factor in establishing an anti-Demodex treatment whose effectiveness is a further argument for the diagnosis.

[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: 11 cases]. / Pseudoxanthome élastique: 11 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a congenital dystrophy of the connective tissue. Its clinical expression is cutaneous, ocular and cardiovascular. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to specify the principle characteristics of this disease and to discuss the interest of various supplementary examinations in its diagnosis and control in a series of 11 patients. RESULTS: The study included 9 women and 2 men (sex ratio: 4.5). The mean age the onset of the symptoms was of 18 years. In 4 cases there was a family history of the disease. All the patients exhibited yellowish, pigskin, and papular lesions on the sides of the neck. The systematic ophthalmologic examination revealed angioid streaks in 7 cases and a pigskin aspect in 4 cases. The systematic cardiovascular and metabolic explorations revealed no abnormalities specific to pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Two cases of asymptomatic nephrocalcinosis were observed. DISCUSSION: In our patients, the disease was probably of autosomal recessive transmission. The predominance of women consulting for the disease would be explained by the esthetic damage. Diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum is based on clinical, histological and genetic criteria. Supplementary explorations are useful to confirm the diagnosis and also for the search to other, visceral, localizations. Such examinations vary depending on the teams, means and above all the evocative signs.

[Conjunctival myiasis. 23 cases in the Tunisian Sahel]. / Myiases conjonctivales. A propos de 23 cas dans le Sahel tunisien.

Conjunctival lesions of ocular myiasis are common in the mediterranean region. The authors report 23 cases of conjunctival myiasis. This affection is caused by fly's larvae: Oestrus ovis presenting typically with inflamed and oedematous eyes. We diagnose the affection by directly showing the larvae on conjunctiva. The treatment consisted to extirpate larvae one by one.