Related Experiment Videos
Protothecosis in the southeastern United States
Southern Medical Journal
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Olecranon bursitis caused by Prototheca algae can occur in healthy individuals. Simple surgical excision is often curative, with amphotericin B used for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prototheca species are achlorophyllic algae capable of causing human infections.
- Olecranon bursitis is a common presentation of Prototheca infection.
Observation:
- A case of olecranon bursitis caused by Prototheca species in a healthy 74-year-old man was reported.
- A review of cases in the southeastern United States revealed a predilection for the olecranon bursa.
Findings:
- Most cases involved otherwise healthy individuals and were successfully treated with simple excision.
- Systemic therapy, including amphotericin B, was effective in refractory cases.
- Histopathology typically shows granulomatous inflammation, with organisms identifiable via fungal stains.
Implications:
- Prototheca species should be considered in the differential diagnosis of olecranon bursitis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment, often involving surgical excision, lead to favorable outcomes.
- Understanding the histologic features aids in identifying the causative agent.