Fusarium proliferatum-induced chronic lip ulcer: successful treatment with itraconazole: a case report

Fusarium species are saprophytic fungi with a worldwide distribution. These fungi cause various infections among immunocompromised patients; however, they can also involve immunocompetent individuals.

We report a case of a 41-year-old Iranian woman who presented with ulcerative lesions on her lips 10 months ago. She had a long history of anxiety but had no history of classical risk factors such as trauma, cosmetic lip tattoo, burning in her lips, smoking or use of alcohol and opium. A skin biopsy from the lower lip was performed and sent for microbiological examinations. Hyaline septate hyphae were seen on direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide. The clinical specimen was subcultured on sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and prepared for antifungal susceptibility testing and molecular identification. Considering the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antifungals, itraconazole (100 mg orally twice a day) was started for her, and after 2 months, the lesions were treated. She followed up for 3 months, and no signs of disease recurrence were observed.

Selecting an appropriate treatment strategy according to the laboratory assessments is essential in clinical practice and the management of rare infections to prevent related mortality and morbidity of opportunistic fungal infections.