Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Alternaria section Alternaria
Xiujiao Xia1, Zehu Liu1, Hong Shen1
1Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, West Lake Rd 38, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Summary
A woman with nephrotic syndrome developed subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, a fungal infection. Prompt antifungal treatment led to complete resolution of her skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Immunocompromised Hosts
Background:
- Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a rare fungal infection.
- Nephrotic syndrome can lead to immunosuppression.
- Dematiaceous fungi cause phaeohyphomycosis.
Observation:
- A woman with a 7-year history of nephrotic syndrome presented with purulent, infiltrating plaques on her hands and arms.
- Biopsy and pus specimens revealed fungal elements consistent with Alternaria section Alternaria.
- The lesions resolved completely after 2 months of antifungal therapy.
Findings:
- The case highlights diagnostic challenges in differentiating subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis from chromoblastomycosis based solely on pathology.
- Parasitic fungal forms can vary depending on the site and host's immune status.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness of fungal infection presentations in immunosuppressed patients is important for clinicians.
- Further research into fungal morphology variations in immunocompromised individuals is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
3.9K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
3.9K
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
60
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
60
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
139
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
139
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
43
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
43
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
58
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
58
01:26Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes
37
Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
37