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Scytalidiosis in Paris, France
Claire Lacroix1, Guillaume Kac, Louis Dubertret
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France. claire.lacroix@sls.ap-hop-paris.fr
Background:
Scytalidium dimidiatum and S hyalinum are molds responsible for human skin and nail infections in tropical areas.
Objective:
We sought to examine the epidemiology of cutaneous infections caused by Scytalidium species in a temperate country.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of patients with Scytalidium spp. infection diagnosed in our laboratory in Paris, France, from 1994 to 1999.
Results:
Cutaneous Scytalidium infections were diagnosed in 332 patients, all of whom were from the tropics, especially the West Indies and Africa. S hyalinum and S dimidiatum were isolated in 53.6% and 43.9% of cases, respectively, and were associated with dermatophytes in 30 patients. Skin and nail lesions were found in, respectively, 65.3% and 34.7% of cases, and the feet were involved in 90.6% of cases.
Conclusion:
Cutaneous infections caused by Scytalidium species are far from rare in France, a temperate country, and must not be mistaken for dermatophytosis, given the resistance of S hyalinum and S dimidiatum to most antifungal drugs. Mycologic examination is, thus, required to identify Scytalidium spp in patients returning from or residing in tropical areas.
Insights
Cutaneous Scytalidium infections, caused by Scytalidium dimidiatum and Scytalidium hyalinum molds, are frequently diagnosed in France. Mycologic examination is crucial for identifying these tropical fungi, especially in travelers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Background:
- Scytalidium dimidiatum and Scytalidium hyalinum are molds causing human skin and nail infections in tropical regions.
- These fungal infections pose a diagnostic challenge in temperate climates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of cutaneous infections attributed to Scytalidium species within a temperate country.
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of Scytalidium infections in France.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of Scytalidium spp. infections diagnosed in a Paris laboratory between 1994 and 1999.
- Inclusion of 332 patients diagnosed with cutaneous Scytalidium infections.
Main Results:
- 332 cases of cutaneous Scytalidium infections were identified, primarily in individuals from tropical areas like the West Indies and Africa.
- Scytalidium hyalinum (53.6%) and Scytalidium dimidiatum (43.9%) were the predominant species, often co-occurring with dermatophytes.
- Skin lesions were observed in 65.3% of cases, nail lesions in 34.7%, with 90.6% of infections affecting the feet.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous Scytalidium infections are not uncommon in temperate countries like France and require differentiation from dermatophytosis.
- Scytalidium hyalinum and Scytalidium dimidiatum exhibit resistance to many antifungal agents.
- Accurate mycologic examination is essential for diagnosing Scytalidium species in individuals returning from or residing in tropical areas.