Clinicopathological features and course of cutaneous protothecosis

Protothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by the achlorophyllic algae found more commonly in tropical areas. Only a limited number of cases have been reported.

We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of cutaneous protothecosis.

We retrospectively identified 20 pathology-confirmed cases of cutaneous protothecosis based on skin biopsies in two tertiary medical centres in Taiwan from 1997 to 2015.

The age of the patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 48 to 85 years (mean age of 74 years). All lesions developed on the limbs. Twelve (60%) patients had adrenal insufficiency, but no patients had active malignancy at diagnosis. Interestingly, four (20%) patients had concurrent scabies infestation. Clinically, most lesions were erythematous plaques studded with punctate ulcers. Microscopically, the most common finding was granulomatous inflammation. Nineteen (95%) cases were successfully treated with itraconazole for 14-148 days with only one case of recurrence. Concomitant scabies should be suspected if pruritus is recalcitrant despite itraconazole treatment.

Despite its rarity, cutaneous protothecosis has become more significant due to an increased prevalence of immunocompromised individuals. Steroid overuse or iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency predisposes individuals to high-risk infections. Neglecting the disease leads to a chronic and incurable state. Protothecosis should be suspected in chronic eczematous and ulcerative plaques on the limbs refractory to conventional antibacterial and antiviral treatments, especially in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Clinical suspicion should be confirmed by skin biopsies, and confirmed cases can be successfully treated with itraconazole.