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[Candida vasculitis]
J L Bourrain1, J C Béani, P Amblard
1Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Grenoble.
Allergie Et Immunologie
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Candida yeasts can trigger rare skin reactions like Gougerot
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida yeasts are common, often harmless inhabitants of the skin.
- Their role in immuno-allergic skin reactions is debated.
- Saprophytic fungi can sometimes trigger immune responses.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old patient presented with a purpuric maculo-papular eruption, a rare triad of symptoms.
- Skin biopsy revealed angiitis and necrotizing capillaritis.
- Intradermal candidin testing reproduced the patient's symptoms and histological findings.
Findings:
- The patient's eruption was linked to Candida immunogenicity.
- Circulating immune complexes were transiently detected.
- A digestive Candida focus was identified, but other microbial tests were normal.
Implications:
- This case highlights Candida's potential to induce severe cutaneous immuno-allergic reactions.
- Angiitis and necrotizing capillaritis may be manifestations of fungal hypersensitivity.
- Systemic antifungal treatment can be effective, though relapse is possible.