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[Onychomycosis for Curvularia lunata var. aeria: presentation of a clinical case]

Laura B Fraenza1, Silvina Del V Druetta1, Ariel J Raga1

  • 1Servicio de Micología, Laboratorio Central, Hospital Nacional de Clínicas, Ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina.

Revista Argentina De Microbiologia
|March 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A rare mold infection, Curvularia lunata, caused nail disease in a patient. Treatment with itraconazole led to complete recovery, highlighting the importance of identifying fungal nail infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Onychodystrophy can result from various fungal infections.
  • Curvularia species are known producers of phaeohyphomycosis.
  • Nail mycosis requires accurate etiological diagnosis for effective treatment.

Observation:

  • A female patient presented with a three-month history of white onychodystrophic lesions on both hallux.
  • Microscopic examination and culture identified the causative agent as Curvularia lunata var aeria, a type of mold.
  • The Curvularia genus is associated with phaeohyphomycosis, and C. lunata can occasionally cause onychomycosis.

Findings:

  • The patient received a six-month course of itraconazole at 200mg/day.
  • Complete remission of the nail lesions was achieved following the treatment regimen.
  • Curvularia lunata var aeria was confirmed as the etiological agent of the onychomycosis.

Implications:

  • Fungal nail infections, including those caused by molds like Curvularia, necessitate consideration in clinical practice.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis are crucial, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The nail serves as a potential entry point for systemic fungal dissemination.
Keywords:
Curvularia lunataFeohifomicosisOnicomicosisOnychomycosisPhaeohyphomycosis

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