Emerging Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Alternaria infectoria
Katarína Kieselová1, Tiago Gomes1, Felicidade Santiago1
1Department of Dermatology. Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria. Portugal.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|October 15, 2020
Abstract:
Alternaria species belong to a group of opportunistic fungi that causes skin infection mainly in immunosuppressed patients. The authors describe two clinically distinct cases of cutaneous alternariosis caused by Alternaria infectoria in patients under prolonged corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, a brief review of published cases in portuguese patients is conducted.
Insights
Opportunistic fungi Alternaria species can cause skin infections in immunocompromised individuals. This study details two cases of cutaneous alternariosis due to Alternaria infectoria in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Alternaria species are opportunistic fungi.
- They primarily affect immunosuppressed patients.
- Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare fungal infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two distinct cases of cutaneous alternariosis.
- To highlight the role of Alternaria infectoria.
- To review similar cases in Portuguese patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case description.
- Review of existing literature on Portuguese patients.
Main Results:
- Two cases of cutaneous alternariosis caused by Alternaria infectoria were identified.
- Patients were undergoing prolonged corticosteroid treatment.
- A review of published Portuguese cases was conducted.
Conclusions:
- Alternaria infectoria can cause distinct clinical presentations of cutaneous alternariosis.
- Immunosuppression, particularly corticosteroid use, is a significant risk factor.
- Further case reporting and reviews are valuable for understanding this infection.
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