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Widespread and invasive Trichophyton rubrum infection mimicking Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with AIDS

Kyung-Sool Kwon1, Ho-Sun Jang, Hyo-Sung Son

  • 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.

The Journal of Dermatology
|January 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic fungal infections, like Trichophyton rubrum, can present unusually in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure effective management of these aggressive infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Opportunistic fungal infections are prevalent in individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • Commonly reported fungal infections include candidiasis, tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and deep mycotic infections.
  • Dermatophyte infections in AIDS patients can exhibit atypical and aggressive presentations, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.

Observation:

  • A case of Trichophyton rubrum infection in a 44-year-old male with AIDS is presented.
  • The infection manifested as widespread, multiple tumor-like lesions.
  • This presentation is considered highly unusual for dermatophyte infections in the context of AIDS.

Findings:

  • Complete resolution of lesions was achieved after 21 weeks of terbinafine treatment.
  • The patient's tumor-like presentation of Trichophyton rubrum infection was successfully managed with systemic antifungal therapy.
  • The case highlights the potential for diagnostic challenges posed by atypical fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Implications:

  • This unusual presentation of Trichophyton rubrum underscores the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis in AIDS patients with skin lesions.
  • Failure to recognize atypical dermatophyte infections can result in delayed or inappropriate diagnostic and treatment pathways.
  • Further research into the spectrum of fungal infections in immunocompromised populations is warranted to improve clinical outcomes.

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