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Alternaria alternata infection of skin in a 6-year-old boy with aplastic anemia

L D Mirkin1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, Wright State University School of Medicine.

Pediatric Pathology
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Human infections with Alternaria alternata, a common fungus, are rare. This study reports a case of a boy with aplastic anemia who developed skin lesions caused by Alternaria, which resolved with antifungal therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Clinical Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Alternaria species are ubiquitous soil saprophytes and common plant pathogens.
  • Human infections caused by Alternaria are infrequently reported in medical literature.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy diagnosed with aplastic anemia presented with widespread erythematous papules.
  • Skin biopsy analysis revealed granulomatous inflammation containing fungal elements.
  • Fungal culture from the biopsy specimen successfully identified Alternaria alternata.

Findings:

  • The patient's skin lesions showed a complete resolution after a course of 7 weeks of antifungal treatment.
  • This case highlights a rare instance of human cutaneous infection by Alternaria alternata.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Alternaria alternata to cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for managing such rare fungal infections.

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