Onychomycosis due to Aspergillus candidus: case report

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Nail fungal infections (onychomycosis) are common, often caused by dermatophytes.
• Non-dermatophyte molds are increasingly recognized as causative agents of onychomycosis.

Observation:

• A patient presented with chronic fungal infection of the right great toenail.
• Serial cultures were performed on samples from the removed nail.

Findings:

• Cultures consistently identified Aspergillus candidus.
• Aspergillus candidus, a non-dermatophyte mold, was confirmed as the causative agent.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering non-dermatophyte molds in chronic onychomycosis.
• Suggests Aspergillus species may play a more significant role in nail infections than previously thought.
• Informs diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for difficult-to-treat nail fungal infections.