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Phaeomycotic cysts caused by Phoma species
Shawn Vasoo1, Lee Kien Yong, Priyanka Sultania-Dudani
1Section of Infectious Diseases, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. shawn_vasoosushilan@rush.edu
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|July 20, 2011
Summary
Phoma species, typically plant pathogens, can rarely infect humans. This case highlights a patient with phaeohyphomycotic cysts caused by Phoma, initially misdiagnosed as ganglions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Human Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Phoma species are predominantly known as phytopathogens, causing plant diseases.
- Sporadic reports indicate Phoma species can cause opportunistic human infections.
- Phaeohyphomycosis is a type of fungal infection characterized by dark-walled hyphae.
Observation:
- A patient presented with subcutaneous cysts that were clinically suspected to be ganglions.
- Microscopic examination and fungal culture revealed the presence of Phoma species.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with phaeohyphomycosis, specifically subcutaneous cysts, caused by Phoma species.
- This represents a rare manifestation of Phoma infection in an immunocompetent host.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections, even from typically phytopathogenic species, in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous lesions.
- Accurate identification of Phoma species is crucial for appropriate antifungal therapy and management of phaeohyphomycosis.
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