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First case of chromoblastomycosis due to Phoma insulana

Francisca Hernández-Hernández1, Jaime Vargas-Arzola2, Oliver Pedro Ríos-Cruz2

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica (English Ed.)
|October 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Phoma insulana, an uncommon fungal agent. The diagnosis was confirmed using morphology and PCR sequencing, highlighting a new association with this chronic skin infection.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection affecting skin and subcutaneous tissues, typically presenting as verrucous nodules or plaques.
  • Common causative agents include Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cladophialophora carrionii, prevalent in endemic regions.
  • Phoma species are infrequently implicated in human infections, primarily associated with phaeohyphomycosis.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a 27-year history of verrucous, scaly lesions on the foot, following a laceration.
  • Clinical presentation was consistent with chromoblastomycosis.
  • Microscopic examination of skin scales revealed characteristic fumagoid cells.

Findings:

  • Fungal culture yielded a dematiaceous fungus.
  • Morphological analysis and PCR sequencing confirmed the agent as Phoma insulana.
  • This represents the first reported instance of Phoma insulana causing chromoblastomycosis.

Implications:

  • Expands the known spectrum of fungal agents responsible for chromoblastomycosis.
  • Highlights the importance of considering uncommon fungal species in diagnosing chronic skin infections.
  • Underscores the utility of molecular techniques like PCR sequencing for accurate fungal identification.
Keywords:
ChromoblastomycosisChromomycosisCromoblastomicosisCromomicosisMicosis subcutáneasPhoma insulanaPhoma spp.Subcutaneous mycosis

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