Cutaneous protothecosis in kidney transplant recipient

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Protothecosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by achlorophyllic algae of the genus Prototheca.
• The condition commonly affects immunosuppressed individuals, though it can occur in immunocompetent hosts.
• Prototheca wickerhamii is the primary species implicated in human infections.

Observation:

• A novel case of protothecosis was identified in Brazil.
• The affected individual was a recipient of a kidney transplant, indicating an immunosuppressed state.
• The clinical presentation and management of this case are detailed.

Findings:

• The study confirms Prototheca species as etiological agents of human infection.
• The case illustrates the potential for protothecosis in organ transplant recipients.
• This report adds to the limited global literature on human protothecosis.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of protothecosis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment in at-risk populations.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare infections in immunosuppressed patients.
• Further research into Prototheca epidemiology and pathogenesis is warranted.