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Subcutaneous alternariosis of the foot in a patient on corticosteroids
A A Richardson1, W A Agger, J B Ringstrom
1Gundersen Clinic and Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse, WI.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|August 1, 1993
Abstract:
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of alternariosis involving the subcutaneous tissues of the foot. Podiatrists are likely to see more of this condition and other unusual fungi causing deep foot infections in the future because of the increasing population of immunocompromised patients.
Insights
This is the first reported case of alternariosis affecting the foot's subcutaneous tissues. Podiatrists should anticipate more deep foot infections from unusual fungi due to rising immunocompromised patient numbers.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Deep fungal infections of the foot are uncommon.
- Alternariosis is typically a superficial infection, but can cause invasive disease in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A case of alternariosis involving the subcutaneous tissues of the foot is reported.
- This represents the first known instance of this specific presentation.
Findings:
- The causative agent was identified as a fungus from the Alternaria genus.
- The infection involved the deeper layers of the foot's skin.
Implications:
- Podiatrists may encounter more cases of alternariosis and other deep fungal foot infections.
- The increasing population of immunocompromised patients is a contributing factor to this trend.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing these infections.