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Cutaneous alternariosis in an immunocompromised patient
G C Chaidemenos1, O Mourellou, G Karakatsanis
1State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Cutis
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Cutaneous alternariosis, a fungal infection, can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Discontinuing immunosuppressive steroid therapy is crucial for successful treatment of this skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Immunocompromised Host Research
Background:
- Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare fungal infection.
- Immunosuppression, often due to medications like prednisone and azathioprine, increases susceptibility.
- This case highlights a farmer with thrombocytopenic purpura on immunosuppressants.
Observation:
- The patient developed multiple ulcerated, granulomatous skin lesions on exposed areas.
- Lesions appeared two months after starting prednisone and azathioprine therapy.
- A concurrent herpetic infection was also noted but resolved without complications.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via direct examination, fungal culture, and histology.
- The clinical presentation included characteristic granulomatous skin lesions.
- The patient's condition followed a protracted course.
Implications:
- Tapering or stopping corticosteroid therapy is recommended as a primary treatment strategy.
- Successful and permanent resolution of cutaneous alternariosis may depend on managing immunosuppression.
- This case underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic immunosuppression in fungal infections.