Donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans after corneal transplantation.

Purpose: To report donor-to-host transmission of Candida albicans after penetrating keratoplasty.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 15-year-old boy who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus with donor tissue from a drowning victim developed keratitis and a lenticular abscess 26 days postoperatively.

Results: Candida albicans was cultured from the donor rim and the recipient cornea. Antifungal sensitivity profiles were identical for the two isolates. DNA profiles were identical for both isolates, confirming the donor as the source of the infection.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates the value of routine culture of corneal donor rims and the advisability of close follow-up and possible antifungal prophylaxis when donor rims are positive for fungus.