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Published on: January 27, 2015
Chromoblastomycosis in Kerala, India
Veena Chandran1, Sadeep M Sadanandan, K Sobhanakumari
1Department of Dermatology, Kottayam Medical College, Kerala, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|October 19, 2012
Summary
Chromoblastomycosis is prevalent in Central Kerala, primarily affecting male agricultural workers, especially those in rubber plantations. Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the most common causative agent identified in this study.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Reports 35 new cases of Chromoblastomycosis from Central Kerala, a region not previously highlighted for this fungal infection.
- Reviews the disease's global and Indian epidemiological landscape.
- Highlights the underreporting of Chromoblastomycosis in Central Kerala.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of Chromoblastomycosis in Central Kerala.
- To establish the prevalence and etiological profile of the disease in the region.
- To contribute to understanding the geographic distribution of Chromoblastomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 Chromoblastomycosis cases.
- Data collected from January 2003 to July 2010 at a tertiary care dermatology center.
- Inclusion criteria based on Institutional Review Board approval.
Main Results:
- Disease predominantly affects male agriculturists, particularly those working in rubber plantations.
- Lower extremities are the most commonly affected site (60%), with a history of trauma in 40% of cases.
- Fonsecaea pedrosoi identified as the most frequent etiological agent; sclerotic bodies and granulomas were characteristic findings.
Conclusions:
- Chromoblastomycosis is highly prevalent in Central Kerala.
- Male agricultural workers, especially in rubber plantations, are the primary demographic affected.
- Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the predominant causative organism in this region.
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