Traumatic corneal abrasion from plant material is most associated with which type of keratitis?

• A. Bacterial keratitis
• B. Acanthamoeba keratitis
• C. Fungal keratitis
• D. Herpes simplex keratitis

Answer: (C)

Plant material in a corneal abrasion brings environmental fungi into the wound, making fungal keratitis the most likely infection. The damaged surface provides an entry point for filamentous fungi such as Fusarium or Aspergillus, which tend to invade the corneal stroma and produce characteristic feathery infiltrates and satellite lesions that can worsen if not treated with antifungal therapy.

This contrasts with Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is usually tied to contact lens wear and exposure to contaminated water; bacterial keratitis can follow trauma but isn’t specifically linked to plant material; and herpes simplex keratitis is a viral infection not typically associated with plant trauma, presenting more with dendritic ulcers due to viral reactivation.