Microsporidium Keratitis After Hurricane Francine: A Case Report

TL;DR

Five patients in Louisiana developed microsporidium keratitis after Hurricane Francine, and all were successfully treated with moxifloxacin and fluorometholone.

Contribution

Reports a cluster of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis cases linked to Hurricane Francine and presents an effective treatment approach.

Findings

Five patients developed microsporidium keratitis after Hurricane Francine in 2024.

Microsporidia were detected via PCR in all patients with contaminated water exposure.

Treatment with moxifloxacin and fluorometholone was effective for all patients.

Abstract

Microsporidial ocular infections are being increasingly reported, especially in temperate climates. In this case report, we describe five patients who presented to a private ophthalmology practice in Southeastern Louisiana in 2024, all within 3 months of Hurricane Francine landing. The patients’ ages ranged from 5 to 23 and included two female and three male patients. All patients except one had exposure to contaminated water, and microsporidia were detected via PCR in all patients. Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis was diagnosed based on typical clinical features. The patients were all effectively treated with a course of moxifloxacin and subsequent fluorometholone. This paper reports the typical clinical course of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis and offers an effective management approach to this condition.

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