Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
10:45
Non-invasive Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: July 30, 2012
15.4K
Knufia epidermidis Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Yanhong Sun1,2, Qing Zhao1,2, Yong Zhang1,2
1Dermatology Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 26, 2026
Summary
A rare Knufia epidermidis (K. epidermidis) skin infection in a teen was diagnosed using advanced sequencing. The patient recovered with antifungal and retinoid therapy, highlighting the need for clinical awareness to prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutaneous infections can present with non-specific symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges.
- Delayed or incorrect diagnosis of fungal infections can result in prolonged patient suffering and ineffective treatments.
- Knufia epidermidis is an emerging fungal pathogen capable of causing skin infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of cutaneous Knufia epidermidis infection in a 16-year-old male.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of mycological culture and intergenic transcriptional space sequencing.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing K. epidermidis to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of itchy, xerotic lesions on wrists over 6 months.
- Diagnostic workup including mycological culture.
- Advanced molecular identification using intergenic transcriptional space sequencing.
- Treatment with oral itraconazole and acitretin.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of Knufia epidermidis infection confirmed through culture and sequencing.
- Successful treatment outcome with a combination of itraconazole and acitretin over 2 weeks.
- Resolution of cutaneous lesions and symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Knufia epidermidis can cause challenging cutaneous infections that may be misdiagnosed.
- Mycological culture and molecular techniques are crucial for accurate identification of K. epidermidis.
- Awareness among clinicians is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of K. epidermidis infections.
