[A Case of Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Exophiala xenobiotica in an Immunocompromised Host]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare subcutaneous fungal infection caused by pigmented fungi.
• It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals following skin trauma.
• Exophiala xenobiotica is a black yeast species identified in 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala xenobiotica.
• To detail the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome in an immunocompromised patient.
• To emphasize the role of species identification in guiding antifungal therapy.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case report of an immunocompromised elderly Japanese female.
• Surgical excision of a subcutaneous mass.
• Treatment with oral itraconazole.
• Identification of the causative agent, Exophiala xenobiotica.

Main Results:

• Recurrence of subcutaneous mass two months post-excision.
• Resolution of the mass after seven months of oral itraconazole (200 mg/day).
• Confirmation of Exophiala xenobiotica as the etiological agent.

Conclusions:

• Exophiala xenobiotica can cause recurrent subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in immunocompromised patients.
• Oral itraconazole is an effective treatment for this infection.
• Accurate fungal identification is crucial for selecting appropriate antifungal drugs.