[Tinea unguis caused by Nannizzia gypsea (+)]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology

Background:

• Tinea unguis, a dermatophyte infection of the nail, is typically caused by Trichophyton species.
• Infections by Nannizzia species, particularly Nannizzia gypsea, are less common causes of onychomycosis.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old female student presented with a six-month history of progressive nail alteration and destruction of the thumb's lamina.
• Direct mycologic examination revealed numerous hyaline fungal hyphae in the affected nail sample.

Findings:

• Repeated fungal cultures (9 times) isolated several molds.
• Eight cultures yielded numerous colonies of Nannizzia gypsea, identified as the causative agent.

Implications:

• This case highlights Nannizzia gypsea as a potential, albeit rare, cause of tinea unguis.
• The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive mycologic evaluation for accurate diagnosis of uncommon onychomycosis etiologies.