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[Non-dermatophytic moulds: onychomycosis in four patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus]

Kedma de Magalhães Lima1, Célia Maria Machado Barbosa de Castro, Idalina Inês Fonsêca Nogueira Cambuim

  • 1Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil. kedma_biom@hotmail.com

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|March 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients are susceptible to nail fungal infections. Non-dermatophytic moulds are increasingly causing onychomycosis in this population, necessitating careful diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk for onychomycosis.
  • Onychomycosis is typically caused by dermatophytes and yeasts.
  • Non-dermatophytic moulds are emerging as significant agents of nail infections in HIV-positive individuals.

Observation:

  • This study reports four cases of onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophytic moulds.
  • The identified fungal agents include Aspergillus niger, Scytalidium hyalinum, Scytalidium dimidiatum, and Fusarium solani.
  • All cases involved patients infected with HIV in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Findings:

  • Non-dermatophytic moulds represent a growing cause of onychomycosis in HIV-positive patients.
  • Specific mould species like Aspergillus, Scytalidium, and Fusarium were identified as causative agents.
  • The prevalence of these less common fungal pathogens in HIV-infected individuals warrants attention.

Implications:

  • Onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophytic moulds in HIV-positive patients requires specialized clinical and laboratory attention.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective and targeted treatment strategies.
  • Prompt and appropriate management can prevent the further invasion of fungal infections.

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