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Subcutaneous abscess caused by Pleurophomopsis lignicola Petr: first case
D Chabasse1, C de Bievre, E Legrand
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.
Summary
A rare fungal infection, subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, was identified in a farmer. The dematiaceous coelomycete Pleurophomopsis lignicola was the identified cause, marking a first-time association.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a rare fungal infection.
- Dematiaceous fungi are often implicated in human infections.
- Corticosteroid therapy can increase susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- A subcutaneous abscess on the leg of a farmer was examined.
- The farmer was undergoing long-term corticosteroid therapy for asthma gravis.
- Pleurophomopsis lignicola was repeatedly isolated in pure culture from the abscess.
Findings:
- This study reports the first known case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Pleurophomopsis lignicola.
- The fungus was identified as the etiological agent of the subcutaneous abscess.
- The patient's immunocompromised state due to corticosteroid use likely contributed to the infection.
Implications:
- This finding expands the spectrum of known fungal pathogens causing subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
- It highlights the importance of considering rare fungal agents in immunocompromised patients.
- Further research into Pleurophomopsis lignicola's pathogenicity and clinical significance is warranted.