[Posttraumatic primary cutaneous aspergillosis with Candida guilliermondii infection in a healthy host]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Opportunistic fungal infections, primarily Candida and Aspergillus, typically affect immunocompromised individuals.
• Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is rare in healthy hosts, usually occurring in immunocompromised patients.
• Cutaneous fungal infections should be considered in aged patients with post-traumatic necrotic ulcers due to age-related immune changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of co-infection with Aspergillus flavus and Candida guilliermondii in a healthy elderly patient.
• To describe the clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and microbiological identification of the causative agents.
• To emphasize the importance of considering cutaneous opportunistic fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of post-traumatic lesions in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens revealed septate hyphae and blastospores.
• Fungal cultures yielded characteristic colonies of Aspergillus flavus and Candida guilliermondii.
• Microscopic morphology and biochemical tests (ID32C) confirmed the identification of both fungal species.

Main Results:

• A 70-year-old healthy male presented with a post-traumatic ulcer on his finger.
• Histopathology and cultures confirmed a co-infection with Aspergillus flavus and Candida guilliermondii.
• The patient successfully responded to surgical debridement and itraconazole treatment.

Conclusions:

• This case demonstrates primary cutaneous aspergillosis and Candida guilliermondii co-infection in a healthy elderly individual.
• Post-traumatic necrotic ulcers and black eschar in aged patients warrant consideration of cutaneous opportunistic fungal infections.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing these rare infections.