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Published on: January 2, 2017

Relapsing cutaneous alternariosis in a kidney transplant recipient cured with liposomal amphotericin B

E Merino1, J Bañuls, V Boix

  • 1Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Pintor Baeza s/n, 03012 Alicante, Spain. merino_luc@gva.es

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|February 13, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A rare fungal infection, cutaneous alternariosis, presented with unusual skin lesions in an immunosuppressed patient. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B effectively resolved a severe necrotic ulcer unresponsive to itraconazole.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare fungal infection.
  • Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to opportunistic fungal infections.
  • Fungal skin infections can manifest with diverse and severe clinical presentations.

Observation:

  • An immunosuppressed patient developed unusual papular, nodular, and verrucous skin lesions on the forearms.
  • Despite six months of oral itraconazole treatment, a large, progressive, necrotic ulcer developed on the patient's leg.

Findings:

  • The patient's cutaneous alternariosis was refractory to oral itraconazole therapy.
  • Intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (750 mg total dose) resulted in excellent clinical improvement.

Implications:

  • Liposomal amphotericin B is an effective treatment option for severe cutaneous alternariosis in immunosuppressed individuals.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for managing invasive fungal infections.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

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