Fungal keratitis caused by Pyrenochaeta unguis-hominis: Identification and microbiological characteristics of a rare case

Fungal keratitis, a sight-threatening ocular infection, can lead to severe complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This case report documents the first documented case of fungal keratitis caused by <i>Pyrenochaeta unguis-hominis</i> in a Chinese male patient following ocular trauma and surgical intervention. The study elucidates the microbiological characteristics, genomic features, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of this rare pathogen, offering critical insights for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management. Furthermore, this case underscores the necessity of enhancing clinical awareness and leveraging advanced diagnostic techniques to identify uncommon fungal species in ocular infections, thereby ensuring timely and accurate medical interventions for patients.