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Human case of lobomycosis
Sameer Elsayed1, Susan M Kuhn, Duane Barber
1Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. sameer.elsayed@cls.ab.ca
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 18, 2004
Summary
This is the first reported case of imported human lobomycosis, a rare fungal skin infection, in Canada. The case highlights the potential for this neglected tropical disease to appear in non-endemic industrialized nations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lobomycosis is a chronic fungal infection caused by Lacazia loboi.
- It is endemic to Latin America, with rare reports globally.
- Cutaneous manifestations are characteristic.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with histologically confirmed lobomycosis.
- The patient had no history of travel to endemic areas, suggesting importation.
- This case is the first documented instance in Canada.
Findings:
- Histopathological confirmation of lobomycosis in a Canadian patient.
- This represents the fifth reported case in an industrialized nation outside of Latin America.
- The case underscores the potential for global spread of rare fungal infections.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased awareness of lobomycosis in non-endemic regions.
- Suggests potential for imported cases in industrialized countries.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering neglected tropical diseases in differential diagnoses.