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Alternaria alternata infection associated osteomyelitis of maxilla: a rare disease entity

Vidhi Chhabra, Sanjay Rastogi1, Madhumita Barua

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Technology and Science, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Indian Journal of Dental Research : Official Publication of Indian Society for Dental Research
|December 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Alternaria alternata, a rare fungus, caused maxillary osteomyelitis in a diabetic patient. Successful treatment involved antifungal therapy and surgical debridement over six months.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) is a rare fungal pathogen in humans, typically causing cutaneous infections.
  • Dematiaceous fungi like A. alternata are commonly found in soil and as plant pathogens.
  • Paranasal sinusitis is an uncommon manifestation of A. alternata infection.

Observation:

  • A case of maxillary osteomyelitis caused by A. alternata is presented.
  • The patient had diabetes mellitus with poor glycemic control, a potential predisposing factor.
  • The infection presented as a rare fungal sinusitis complication.

Findings:

  • A. alternata was identified as the causative agent of maxillary osteomyelitis.
  • Successful treatment was achieved through a combination of antifungal medication and surgical debridement.
  • The treatment course spanned a period of six months.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for A. alternata to cause severe invasive infections beyond cutaneous lesions.
  • Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach including early diagnosis, antifungal treatment, and surgical intervention.
  • Understanding risk factors like uncontrolled diabetes is crucial for preventing and managing such rare fungal infections.

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