Basidiobolomycosis: Case Report and Literature Overview

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Basidiobolomycosis, also known as subcutaneous zygomycosis or phycomycosis, is a chronic granulomatous infection affecting skin and subcutaneous tissues.
• It is caused by the saprophytic filamentous fungus *Basidiobolus ranarum* and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Observation:

• The condition typically manifests as firm, painless subcutaneous swelling with smooth, rounded edges.
• Histopathological examination reveals the characteristic Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon.
• Fungal cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar show heaped, furrowed, creamy white colonies.

Findings:

• A case of Basidiobolomycosis in a seven-year-old girl from Eastern India is presented.
• The patient had undergone two excisions prior to diagnosis.
• Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical presentation, histopathology, and fungal culture.

Implications:

• This report expands the known geographical distribution of Basidiobolomycosis to Eastern India.
• It underscores the importance of considering this fungal infection in cases of chronic subcutaneous swelling.
• Successful treatment with itraconazole suggests its efficacy in managing this condition.