Cutaneous infection by different Alternaria species in a liver transplant recipient

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Fungal infections are uncommon in the general population but pose a significant risk to immunocompromised individuals, particularly solid organ transplant recipients.
• Emerging fungal infections present a growing challenge in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of a concomitant cutaneous infection with *Alternaria alternata* and *Alternaria infectoria* in a liver transplant patient.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and successful management of this rare co-infection.

Main Methods:

• A clinical case study of a liver transplant recipient with a cutaneous fungal infection was documented.
• Diagnostic identification of the fungal species involved was performed.
• Treatment involved surgical excision of lesions and oral antifungal therapy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a co-existent cutaneous infection involving *Alternaria alternata* and *Alternaria infectoria*.
• This represents the first reported instance of such a dual infection globally.
• The patient experienced no relapse following treatment.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous fungal infections, even with rare species like *A. alternata* and *A. infectoria*, can occur in immunocompromised patients, including liver transplant recipients.
• Prompt diagnosis and combined therapeutic approach (surgical and antifungal) can lead to successful outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens in transplant recipients with cutaneous lesions.