Candida albicans induced chorioretinitis and retinal vasculitis in an immunocompetent adult following tooth extraction

Nadir Ali Mohamed ALI, Joshua GEORGE, Nayan JOSHI

RIPAS Eye Centre, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT

Chorioretinitis is a sight-threatening condition that affects the fundus of the eye and may result in permanent vision loss if not appropriately treated. Candida albicans is a known causative organism for this condition in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a 26-year-old healthy and immunocompetent man who presented with rapidly progressive, painless loss of vision in his left eye three days after undergoing a tooth extraction on the contralateral side. A swab from the site of tooth extraction isolated Candida albicans. Anatomical recovery was achieved after treatment with systemic fluconazole and prednisolone. However, functional recovery was poor. This case illustrates the need to consider a fungal cause of chorioretinitis and retinal vasculitis even in immunocompetent patients.

Keywords:  Retinal vasculitis, fungal infection, Candida albicans, chorioretinitis

Correspondence author: Nadir Ali Mohamed ALI

RIPAS Eye Centre, RIPAS Hospital, BA1710, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei/Muara District, Brunei Darussalam

Tel: +673-8223690

E mail: nadiramali@hotmail.com

Brunei Int Med J. 2014; 10 (5): 279-284