Case report: protothecal tenosynovitis.

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Algal Infections

Background:

• Protothecosis is a rare infection caused by achlorophyllic algae of the genus Prototheca.
• Cutaneous manifestations are most common, while tenosynovitis is exceedingly rare.
• Immunosuppression is a known risk factor in approximately half of protothecosis cases.

Observation:

• This report details a rare case of protothecal tenosynovitis in an immunocompetent, middle-aged woman.
• The infection developed following sclerosing therapy for varicose veins.
• Prototheca wickerhamii is the most frequently implicated species in human infections.

Findings:

• The patient presented with tenosynovitis, a rare clinical manifestation of protothecosis.
• Treatment involved a combination of itraconazole and surgical débridement.
• A favorable clinical response was achieved with the administered therapy.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of Prototheca infections, particularly tenosynovitis.
• It suggests that protothecal tenosynovitis can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
• The findings support the efficacy of combined antifungal therapy and surgical intervention for this rare condition.