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Subcutaneous infection by Microsporum gypseum
B Fernández-Torres1, E Mayayo, J Boronat
1Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Institut d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carrer Sant Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 21, 2002
Summary
This study documents a rare subcutaneous infection caused by the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum in an otherwise healthy individual. The infection occurred after traumatic inoculation from a splinter, marking a novel presentation for this fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dermatophytes are fungi that cause superficial skin infections.
- Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic dermatophyte, typically causing infections in animals or superficial infections in humans.
- Subcutaneous fungal infections are less common and often occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A case of subcutaneous infection in the knee of an immunocompetent patient is presented.
- The infection was acquired through traumatic inoculation via a splinter.
- The causative agent was identified as the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of a subcutaneous infection caused by Microsporum gypseum in an immunocompetent host.
- The clinical presentation and causative organism highlight an unusual manifestation of dermatophytosis.
- The traumatic inoculation route is a key factor in the pathogenesis of this subcutaneous mycosis.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of clinical presentations for Microsporum gypseum.
- It underscores the importance of considering dermatophytes in subcutaneous infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Further research may be needed to understand the specific factors enabling M. gypseum to cause subcutaneous infections in healthy hosts.