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Published on: April 23, 2012
Onychomycosis caused by Fusarium proliferatum
N Hattori1, A Shirai, Y Sugiura
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 73-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8655, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|August 27, 2005
Summary
This study identifies Fusarium proliferatum as a cause of onychomycosis (nail fungal infection). Oral itraconazole proved effective for treating these rare Fusarium proliferatum nail infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Fusarium species are known opportunistic pathogens causing human infections like keratomycosis and onychomycosis.
- Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, is typically caused by Fusarium solani or Fusarium oxysporum.
Observation:
- This report details the first two cases of onychomycosis specifically caused by Fusarium proliferatum.
- Nail samples were analyzed using direct microscopy, culture, and genetic identification, confirming Fusarium proliferatum as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Both patients diagnosed with Fusarium proliferatum onychomycosis achieved successful treatment outcomes.
- Oral itraconazole was an effective treatment, even in a case with a relatively high minimum inhibitory concentration for the fungus.
Implications:
- Fusarium proliferatum should be recognized as a potential pathogen causing onychomycosis in humans.
- Itraconazole demonstrates efficacy in treating onychomycosis attributed to Fusarium proliferatum, offering a viable therapeutic option.
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