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StatPearls, LLC

  • Azithromycin
  • Corneal Perforation
  • Ergosterol
  • Keratitis
  • Linezolid

Pythium Keratitis

Pythium keratitis is a rapidly progressive, vision-threatening corneal infection caused by Pythium insidiosum, an aquatic oomycete commonly found in stagnant water and soil. The pathogen exhibits filamentous growth that closely resembles fungal hyphae, but its distinct lack of ergosterol renders conventional antifungal therapies largely ineffective. Infection typically follows corneal microtrauma, leading to aggressive stromal necrosis, multifocal infiltrates, and, in advanced stages, corneal perforation. The clinical presentation often mirrors fungal keratitis, with features such as feathery margins, satellite lesions, and reticular stromal spread, complicating early differentiation. Definitive diagnosis requires microbiologic culture, histopathological examination revealing sparsely septate hyphae, and adjunctive molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction. Management strategies emphasize early therapeutic keratoplasty and the use of topical antibacterial agents, notably linezolid and azithromycin. Prompt recognition and targeted intervention are critical to improving visual outcomes and minimizing the risk of enucleation. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ competence in evaluating and managing Pythium keratitis. Participants will deepen their understanding of the condition’s etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. Current diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations will also be discussed. Improved skills will enable clinicians to collaborate within an interprofessional team caring for affected individuals.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 3 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 3 creditsNursingUp to 3 creditsPharmacyUp to 3 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 3 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 3 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 3 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 3 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 3 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 3 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 3 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 3 credits
  • MOC · Up to 3 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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