Human cutaneous pythiosis: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Human pythiosis is a rare but severe infection caused by the fungus-like organism Pythium insidiosum.
• Cutaneous pythiosis is an uncommon clinical manifestation, often occurring in tropical regions.
• The histopathological features of cutaneous pythiosis are not well-documented.

Observation:

• A case of cutaneous pythiosis in an adult agricultural worker with thalassemia is presented.
• The patient exhibited a painful, erythematous plaque on the leg over two months.
• Histopathology revealed eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation with the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon.

Findings:

• Definitive diagnosis was confirmed via histopathology and detection of anti-Pythium insidiosum antibodies using ELISA.
• The study details the characteristic histopathological findings in this rare cutaneous form of pythiosis.
• The Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon was noted, similar to entomophthoromycosis.

Implications:

• This case enhances understanding of cutaneous pythiosis histopathology.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of pythiosis are crucial for patient outcomes.
• Further research into the link between pythiosis and hemoglobinopathies may be warranted.