[Three cases of cutaneous blastomycosis]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Blastomycosis is a fungal infection typically affecting the lungs.
• Cutaneous blastomycosis is an uncommon presentation, especially in Africa.
• Tunisia rarely reports blastomycosis cases, with pulmonary involvement being most frequent.

Observation:

• Three cases of isolated cutaneous blastomycosis were identified and confirmed.
• Histologic and mycologic examinations verified the diagnosis.
• No evidence of visceral or systemic dissemination was found in these patients.

Findings:

• The cases presented solely with skin lesions, deviating from the usual pulmonary or disseminated forms.
• The clinical presentation suggests a possible route of cutaneous inoculation of Blastomyces dermatitidis.
• Diagnostic criteria for cutaneous blastomycosis were evaluated in the context of these unique cases.

Implications:

• Highlights the possibility of localized cutaneous blastomycosis as a distinct clinical entity.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering non-pulmonary presentations in endemic and non-endemic regions.
• Underscores the need for accurate diagnostic approaches for cutaneous fungal infections.