Kerion of the pubis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Kerion of the pubis is an uncommon deep dermatophyte infection.
• It typically presents with systemic symptoms and rarely affects the genital area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three new cases of kerion of the pubis.
• To highlight the association with Microsporum canis infection.

Main Methods:

• Direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide solution.
• Fungal culture on Sabouraud agar for Microsporum canis isolation.
• Identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• All three cases were secondary to Microsporum canis.
• Microsporum canis exhibited characteristic yellow to orange colonies.
• Hyaline septate hyphae and arthroconidia were observed on direct examination.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should suspect deep fungal infections in pubic area lesions.
• High index of suspicion is needed for suppurative or folliculitis-like lesions.
• Early diagnosis and treatment, such as with griseofulvin, are important.