Green algal infection in a human

Prior research has documented infections from various algae in aquatic environments, but no human cases involving unicellular green algae have been reported. Established knowledge includes the role of Prototheca species in human infections, typically associated with skin and soft tissue. However, no prior work had resolved whether green algae could cause persistent wound infections in humans. This gap motivated investigation into a unique clinical case involving a woman with a wound possibly contaminated by river water. The wound's prolonged healing and unusual histological findings raised questions about the causative agent. No prior studies had described such granulomatous inflammation linked to green algae. The absence of staining with Prototheca-specific antibodies suggested a different organism. This uncertainty drove further histological and electron microscopy analysis. The findings could expand understanding of aquatic pathogens and wound infections.

This case report aimed to investigate a persistent wound infection in a woman following possible river water exposure. The specific problem involved a wound on the right foot that failed to heal despite debridement. The motivation stemmed from the absence of prior human infections caused by unicellular green algae. The study sought to characterize the microorganisms present in the infected tissue. It aimed to determine if the organisms matched known pathogenic Prototheca species. The purpose also included examining the histological and cytoplasmic features of the organisms. The study aimed to identify the presence of chloroplast remnants through electron microscopy. The findings could clarify the role of green algae in human infections.

The study used clinical observation and wound history to identify the infection's origin. Histological analysis of the tissue sample was performed using periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori methenamine-silver stains. Fluorescent antibody conjugates specific for Prototheca species were applied to the tissue. Electron microscopy was employed to examine cytoplasmic structures in the organisms. The organisms' size and shape were measured and described. The presence of granules and staining patterns were compared to known pathogens. The wound's timeline and debridement were documented. The findings were synthesized to determine if the infection was algal in nature.

The infected tissue showed mixed suppurative and granulomatous inflammation. The microorganisms were round to oval, measuring 6-9 microns in diameter. Many organisms contained multiple granules visible with periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori methenamine-silver stains. The organisms did not stain with Prototheca-specific fluorescent antibodies. Electron microscopy revealed membranous cytoplasmic profiles in some organisms. These structures were considered remnants of degenerated chloroplasts. The findings were consistent with a green algal infection. The absence of Prototheca staining supported a different algal species.

The authors proposed that the infection was caused by unicellular green algae. The histological and staining findings supported this conclusion. The organisms' granules and staining patterns differed from Prototheca species. The presence of chloroplast remnants suggested an algal origin. The infection occurred in a wound possibly contaminated by river water. The findings indicated that green algae could cause persistent wound infections. The case highlights the need for considering algal infections in clinical settings. The study's results suggest that green algae may be a previously unrecognized pathogen in humans.