Objective:To investigate the therapeutic role of topical

oral and combine of itraconazole treatment using a rabbit model of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Methods: The epithelium was removed from the central cornea and the inoculum of Aspergillus fumigatus blastoconidia was placed on the corneal surface and covered with a contact lens. Forty-eight hours later the 32 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. In topical group

rabbits were treated with topical itraconazole(1%

eight times daily); in oral group

rabbits received oral itraconazole (40 mg/kg

bid);in combine of group

rabbits were treated between topical itraconazole(1%

eight times daily) and oral itraconazole [40 mg/(kg·d)]. Untreated controls were also set. The eyes were examined and photographed with a slit-lamp 1

3

6

10

15

20 and 25 days after inoculation

and an observer graded the corneas in a masked fashion. Corneal scraping

cultures were taken on days 3

6

15 and 25 for fungus growth. Results: At the beginning of treatment

with in 1 to 3 days

the slit-lamp scores did not differ among four groups. However

after days 6 the three treated groups had statistically significant lower scores compared to the untreated controls (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed among 3 treated groups at any examination point. On days 15 the topical and oral & topical classes had statistically significant lower marks compared to the oral groups(P<0.05)

but no distinguished difference was observed between topical and oral &topical groups at any examination point. On days 6

there were significantly lower positive fungal cultures and complication presence in three treatment groups compared to the controls(P<0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that topical itraconazole were effective in lessening the severity of fungal keratitis in a rabbit model and oral ues is not necessary.