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Cutaneous infection due to Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunosuppressed patient

M A Chaveiro1, R Vieira, J Cardoso

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Curry Cabral Hospital, Rua da Beneficiencia, no 8, 1069-166 Lisbon, Portugal.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Scedosporium apiospermum, a fungus causing infections in immunocompromised individuals, rarely presents as a skin infection. This case highlights successful treatment of a cutaneous Scedosporium apiospermum infection with itraconazole.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Scedosporium apiospermum, the asexual form of Pseudallescheria boydii, is a fungus with low virulence, but infections are increasing in immunosuppressed populations.
  • Cutaneous and subcutaneous infections are uncommon, with mycetoma being the most frequent presentation.

Observation:

  • A case of cutaneous infection caused by Scedosporium apiospermum is presented in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus.
  • The patient was on long-term immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
  • Histopathology of skin biopsy revealed granulomatous infiltrate with hyaline septate hyphae.

Findings:

  • Scedosporium apiospermum was isolated from two skin biopsies taken three weeks apart.
  • The patient was treated with itraconazole at a dosage of 400 mg/day for three months.
  • The itraconazole therapy was effective in resolving the cutaneous infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Scedosporium apiospermum in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous infections in immunocompromised patients.
  • It highlights the efficacy of itraconazole in treating cutaneous Scedosporium apiospermum infections.
  • Further research into the management of Scedosporium apiospermum infections in specific patient populations is warranted.

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