Induction of Petite Colonies in Candida glabrate via Rose Bengal-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy.

Facing a 40% mortality rate in candidemia patients, drug-resistant Candida and their petite mutants remain a major treatment challenge. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) targets multiple fungal structures, unlike antibiotics/antifungals, potentially thwarting resistance. Traditional methods for inducing petite colonies rely on ethidium bromide or fluconazole, which can influence drug susceptibility and stress responses.

Impact of cornea recovery training and certification on ophthalmology residents.

Background: In Asian countries, such as Taiwan, social taboos regarding organ and tissue donation decreases the prevalence of organ and tissue transplants. This also applies to cornea recovery, which is a skill that requires precision and practice to perform well. In Taiwan, to ensure the maintenance of high-quality corneas, a comprehensive training program and certified examination has been implemented.

Overweight and Obesity as Risk Factors for Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis during Long-Term Antiviral Prophylaxis.

Although past research has shown an association between obesity and herpes simplex virus infection, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) recurrence has never been investigated. In this study, we included HSK patients who received oral valacyclovir as prophylactic treatment between January 2016 and January 2021. Recurrence, possible risk factors, and the time to recurrence were recorded during follow-ups.

Long-Term Outcome of Treatment with 2% Topical Ganciclovir Solution in Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis and Corneal Endotheliitis.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and long-term outcomes of treatment with topical 2% ganciclovir solution in immunocompetent patients with aqueous humor polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-proven cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis and corneal endotheliitis.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the findings for immunocompetent patients diagnosed with CMV uveitis or endotheliitis based on clinical manifestations and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination results and treated with topical 2% ganciclovir solution at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Clinical outcome measurements included evaluations of the response rate, relapses, resolution of anterior chamber inflammation, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure.

Effect of ethanol pretreatment in keratitis: a long-term follow-up study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of ethanol pretreatment in keratitis (AK).

Patients And Methods: This single-center, retrospective, interventional study included 22 patients (24 eyes) who developed AK and underwent ethanol pretreatment between 2009 and 2015. Samples for smears, polymerase chain reaction, and culture for evidence of were collected.

A comparative, retrospective, observational study of the clinical and microbiological profiles of post-penetrating keratoplasty keratitis.

Infectious keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a devastating condition that may result in graft failure and poor visual outcome. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent PK between 2009 and 2014, and recorded those who developed infectious keratitis. We compared the predisposing factors and organisms isolated to those identified in our previous study, conducted between 1989 and 1994.

Early diagnosis and successful treatment of Cryptococcus albidus keratitis: a case report and literature review.

Cryptococcus albidus keratitis is a rare and difficult diagnosed disease. Here we report a case of C albidus keratitis early diagnosed by dot hybridization assay and successfully treated with intrastromal injection of Amphotericin B (AB).A 45-year-old man presented with left red eye for 2 days.