Chromomycosis: a twenty-year analysis of histologically confirmed cases in Jamaica

Thirty-one cases of histologically confirmed chromomycosis seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) between 1967 and 1986 were reviewed. A mean age of 56 years and a 5 to 1 male to female ratio were recorded. The lower limb was infected most frequently and both the macroscopic and microscopic disease showed typical features. Fonsecaea species were isolated in all 16 cases in whom mycological information was available (14 cases of F. pedrosoi). Surgical excision and split skin grafting produced long term cure in 7 to 10 cases with limited disease. Chromomycosis is more common in Jamaica than previous records would suggest.