Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
Disseminated cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in immunocompetent child
Vishal G Mudholkar1, Abhijit S Acharya, Ravindra V Ramteke
1Department of Pathology, RCSM Government Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. drvishal_mudholkar@rediffmail.com
Insights
Disseminated cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is rare in immunocompetent children. A 6-year-old boy was successfully treated with oral itraconazole and surgical excision of lesions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis is a rare fungal infection.
- It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals.
- Occurrence in immunocompetent children is exceptionally infrequent.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old immunocompetent male child presented with disseminated cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
- Lesions were widespread, affecting the face, arms, thighs, and chest.
- The child had no known underlying immunodeficiency.
Findings:
- Successful treatment involved a 5-month course of oral itraconazole (100 mg daily).
- Surgical excision was performed for residual lesions.
- The treatment regimen led to the resolution of the infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of phaeohyphomycosis in a child.
- It underscores the potential efficacy of combined antifungal therapy and surgery.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing disseminated fungal infections in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
We present a 6-year-old immunocompetent child with disseminated cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, affecting his face, arms, thighs, and chest. He was treated with oral itraconazole 100 mg once a day for 5 months and surgical excision of the residual lesions. Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis is very infrequent in immunocompetent children.
Related Concept Videos
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Leishmaniasis