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Abstract:
Two case reports add to the rare recorded instances of infection of man and other animals by Phoma or Phoma-like molds. Phoma cava was consistently cultured from aural dermatitis of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and tissue sections of the ear revealed fragments of apparent pycnidial walls, as well as many septate hyphae. In the second instance, numerous Phoma-like pycnidia occurred in and upon the hairs of a young child, in a lesion initiated by Trichophyton infection.
Insights
Rare fungal infections by Phoma molds in animals and humans are documented. Phoma cava caused ear dermatitis in a deer, and Phoma-like molds were found on a child's hair.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Dermatology
Background:
- Instances of Phoma or Phoma-like mold infections in humans and animals are infrequent.
- Fungal infections can present with diverse dermatological manifestations.
Observation:
- Phoma cava was identified in a case of aural dermatitis affecting a white-tailed deer.
- Microscopic examination of the deer's ear revealed fungal hyphae and pycnidial structures.
- Phoma-like pycnidia were observed on the hair shafts of a young child with a pre-existing fungal infection.
Findings:
- Consistent isolation of Phoma cava from the infected deer ear.
- Histopathological evidence of fungal elements in the deer's ear tissue.
- Presence of numerous Phoma-like pycnidia associated with hair in the pediatric case.
Implications:
- These cases expand the known spectrum of Phoma infections in mammals.
- Highlights the potential for Phoma species to act as opportunistic pathogens in both veterinary and human medicine.
- Suggests the need for increased awareness and diagnostic consideration of Phoma molds in unexplained dermatological conditions.