Which drugs should be used to treat fungal keratitis?

Which drugs should be used to treat fungal keratitis?

• A. Amphotericin B, caspofungin (yeast)
• B. Fluconazole and voriconazole
• C. Topical steroids
• D. Antibiotics only

Answer: (A)

Fungal keratitis must be treated with antifungal medications that act on the fungal cells. Amphotericin B is effective against yeasts like Candida by binding to ergosterol in the fungal membrane and forming pores that kill the cell. Caspofungin (an echinocandin) targets yeast cell walls by inhibiting beta-1,3-D-glucan synthesis, helping to kill yeasts that can cause keratitis. Together, these drugs address common yeast pathogens involved in fungal corneal infections. Steroids are avoided in active fungal keratitis because they can worsen the infection, and antibiotics do not treat fungi; while other antifungals like fluconazole or voriconazole exist, they don’t universally cover yeasts as reliably in keratitis as this combination.

Fungal keratitis must be treated with antifungal medications that act on the fungal cells. Amphotericin B is effective against yeasts like Candida by binding to ergosterol in the fungal membrane and forming pores that kill the cell. Caspofungin (an echinocandin) targets yeast cell walls by inhibiting beta-1,3-D-glucan synthesis, helping to kill yeasts that can cause keratitis. Together, these drugs address common yeast pathogens involved in fungal corneal infections. Steroids are avoided in active fungal keratitis because they can worsen the infection, and antibiotics do not treat fungi; while other antifungals like fluconazole or voriconazole exist, they don’t universally cover yeasts as reliably in keratitis as this combination.