Subcutaneous Mycoses: An Aetiological Study of 15 Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Dibrugarh, Assam, Northeast India

From Child to Old Man: A Slowly Evolving Case of Chromoblastomycosis Caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic granulomatous mycosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by traumatic inoculation with dematiaceous fungi. This disease primarily affects agricultural workers, who are mostly men. We present a case of chromoblastomycosis in a 63-year-old male farmer patient with dermatosis over 50 years of evolution, with warty, erythematous, and scaly plaques that predominate on the left hemithorax. Direct examination with potassium hydroxide (KOH) revealed numerous fumagoid cells. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1a) gene revealed that chromoblastomycosis was caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides. The chromoblastomycosis was treated with itraconazole and fluconazole without any improvement, and amphotericin B was administered with partial improvement.

Emerging subcutaneous mycoses by opportunistic filamentous fungi: A retrospective study in Northwest Spain

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous mycoses caused by opportunistic filamentous fungi are emerging infections in developed countries due to the longer survival of immunocompromised patients. The evidence published in relation to subcutaneous mycoses is fundamentally based on case reports and small case series.

METHODS

We performed an observational retrospective study of subcutaneous mycoses caused by opportunistic filamentous fungi diagnosed at our institution between 2017 and 2022. This study aims to estimate the incidence rate of subcutaneous mycoses, identify which fungal species are involved, and analyse which clinical variables predispose to infection and if any are associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 61 years (range 27-84), and 80% of them were males. Alternaria spp. were the most common fungi. Two other organisms were frequently isolated: Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium solani. Among patients infected with F. solani, 66.7% died. The most common clinical presentation was suppurative nodules in the lower limbs and the main risk factors for infection were immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, previous trauma and transplantation, but they were not particularly associated with increased mortality. A statistically significant association with mortality was only found in the case of positive blood culture (p = <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Phaeohyphomycosis has a lower risk of dissemination, especially when compared to subcutaneous mycoses caused by hyalohyphomycetes. It is important to convey the severity of these skin infections to the physicians involved in the treatment and follow-up of susceptible patients to avoid misdiagnosis and delays in the treatment, especially in the case of hyalohyphomycosis.

Cytopathological study of cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis presenting as soft-tissue swellings: A 5-year retrospective study from a tertiary care center in South India

Objectives

Cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis can mimic skin and soft-tissue neoplasms clinically and pose diagnostic challenge to pathologists on cytology. Since there are a limited number of studies on this topic from South India and etiological agents vary with geographic region, in this paper, we present clinical and cytological features of the same the objective of this study is to review and evaluate clinical and cytological features of subcutaneous and cutaneous mycosis with histopathological correlation wherever available.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational and retrospective study of 5-year duration. All cases diagnosed as mycosis on cytology were retrieved from pathology records. Cytology slides along with special stains for fungus were reviewed. Review of histopathology slides and culture correlation was done whenever available. Statistical analysis was done using frequencies and percentages.

Results

There were 39 cases during the study period (male - 34 and female - 5). On aspiration, all cases yielded pus; microscopy revealed necrotic debris in 39 cases, inflammatory infiltrate in 39 cases, epithelioid granulomas with multinucleated giant cells in 25 cases, and negative staining hyphal forms in 37 cases. Special stains for fungus showed septate hyphal forms suggestive of Aspergillus species in 34 cases, and yeast and pseudo hyphal forms of candida species in one case. A broad category as fungal infection without subtyping was given in four cases. Culture did not yield growth but fungus was identified on KOH mounts. Histopathology showed fungus in 13 of 14 cases done.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous mycosis should be suspected when aspiration yields pus and appropriate special stains must be done. Aspergillus species was the most common etiological agent in our study.

Accuracy of direct examination and culture as compared to the anatomopathological examination for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis: a systematic review

Background

Chromoblastomycosis is a skin infection caused by dematiaceous fungi that take the form of muriform cells in the tissue. It mainly manifests as verrucous plaques on the lower limbs of rural workers in tropical countries.

Objectives

The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic methods for the identification of chromoblastomycosis, considering the histopathological examination as the reference test.

Methods

MEDLINE, LILACS and Scielo databases were consulted using the terms “chromoblastomycosis” AND “diagnosis”. The eligibility criteria were: studies that evaluated the accuracy of tests for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. Eleven studies were selected. Statistical analysis included the calculation of sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic methods.

Results

Considering the histopathological examination as the reference test, the culture showed a sensitivity (S) of 37.5% - 90.9% and a specificity (Sp) of 100%; while direct mycological examination showed S =  50% - 91.6% and Sp of 100% . Considering the culture as the reference test, the serology (precipitation techniques) showed S  of 36% - 99%; and Sp  of 80% - 100%; while the intradermal test showed S  of 83.3% - 100% and Sp  of 99.4% - 100%.

Study limitations

The small number of studies and very discrepant sensitivity results among them do not allow the calculation of summary measures through a meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Direct mycological examination, culture, intradermal test and serology show sensitivity and specificity values ​​for the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis with no significant difference between the studies.

Clinical and Anatomopathological Evaluation of BALB/c Murine Models Infected with Isolates of Seven Pathogenic Sporothrix Species

Background: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with worldwide distribution and caused by seven pathogenic species of Sporothrix genus: S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. brasiliensis, S. globosa and S. luriei (clinical clade), and the species S. mexicana, S. pallida and S. chilensis (environmental clade). Isolates of the same species of Sporothrix may have different pathogenicities; however, few isolates of this fungus have been studied. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the clinical and anatomopathological changes in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice infected with clinical and environmental isolates of seven different species of Sporothrix, from both clades. One human clinical isolate of S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, S. luriei, S. mexicana and S. chilensis species and one environmental isolate of S. pallida were inoculated subcutaneously in immunocompetent mice and the same isolates of S. brasiliensis and S.schenckii sensu stricto were inoculated in immunossupressed mice. Clinical manifestations as external lesions, apathy, and alopecia were observed. At 21, 35, and 49 days after fungal inoculation, four mice from each group were weighed, euthanized and necropsied for evaluation of splenic index, recovery of fungal cells, macroscopic and histopathological analysis of livers, lungs, kidneys, and hearts. The survival assessment was observed for 50 days following inoculation. Our results demonstrated that, clinical S. schenckii isolate, followed by clinical S. mexicana, and environmental S. pallida isolates, the last two, species grouped in the environmental clade, were capable of inducing greater anatomopathological changes in mice, which was reflected in the severity of the clinical signs of these animals. Thus, we reinforce the hypothesis that the pathogenicity of Sporothrix is not only related to the species of this fungus, but also shows variation between different isolates of the same species.

Reviewing the Etiologic Agents, Microbe-Host Relationship, Immune Response, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Chromoblastomycosis

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause subcutaneous infections. This disease has been considered an occupational disease, occurring among people working in the field of agriculture, particularly in low-income countries. In 1914, the first case of CBM was described in Brazil, and although efforts have been made, few scientific and technological advances have been made in this area. In the field of fungi and host cell relationship, a very reduced number of antigens were characterized, but available data suggest that ectoantigens bind to the cell membrane of host cells and modulate the phagocytic, immunological, and microbicidal responses of immune cells. Furthermore, antigens cleave extracellular proteins in tissues, allowing fungi to spread. On the contrary, if phagocytic cells are able to present antigens in MHC molecules to T lymphocytes in the presence of costimulation and IL-12, a Th1 immune response will develop and a relative control of the disease will be observed. Despite knowledge of the resistance and susceptibility in CBM, up to now, no effective vaccines have been developed. In the field of chemotherapy, most patients are treated with conventional antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, but these drugs exhibit limitations, considering that not all patients heal cutaneous lesions. Few advances in treatment have been made so far, but one of the most promising ones is based on the use of immunomodulators, such as imiquimod. Data about a standard treatment are missing in the medical literature; part of it is caused by the existence of a diversity of etiologic agents and clinical forms. The present review summarizes the advances made in the field of CBM related to the diversity of pathogenic species, fungi and host cell relationship, antigens, innate and acquired immunity, clinical forms of CBM, chemotherapy, and diagnosis.

Title of Paper: First case of subcutaneous infection by Talaromyces marneffei in a renal transplant recipient from India and review of literature

Talaromyces marneffei is one of the endemic mycoses prevalent in South-East Asian region. The infection, which was once considered to be opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients, is establishing foothold in transplant and immunocompetent population. We report a case of a 41-year-old post-renal transplant female with a travel history to Assam two years back presenting with a subcutaneous lesion on right side of scalp associated with pain and blurring of vision in right eye. Fine-needle aspiration from the scalp lesion showed yeast cells with transverse septation in cytological examination and culture grew Talaromyces marneffei, which was confirmed by sequencing of ITS region. Patient was successfully managed with oral itraconazole 200 mg twice daily for ten months without subsequent recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first case of subcutaneous infection by T. marneffei in a renal transplant recipient from India.

Case series of sporotrichosis at a teaching hospital in Brazil

INTRODUCTION:

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection with a worldwide distribution and higher incidence in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the Brazilian territory, where it has been standing out due to its frequent epidemics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sporotrichosis and profile the affected patients at a university teaching hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

METHODS:

This study was a case series of patients diagnosed with Sporothrix spp. from January 2006 to December 2015 by microscopic examination or fungal isolates. Medical records were reviewed for epidemiological data.

RESULTS:

Forty-three cases of sporotrichosis were diagnosed through the period. The sample comprised predominantly young male adults and rural workers. The most common disease type was lymphocutaneous (51%), followed by fixed cutaneous form (32.5%). The predominant location was the upper limbs (70%), followed by the lower limbs (16%). A significant association was observed between the lymphocutaneous form and upper limb location and between the fixed cutaneous form and lower limb location (p = 0.019). Potassium iodine and itraconazole were the most common treatments.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study will help update the epidemiological situation of sporotrichosis in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, over the last decade.

Talaromyces marneffei Outside Endemic Areas in India: an Emerging Infection with Atypical Clinical Presentations and Review of Published Reports from India

Talaromycosis is a disseminated disease caused by Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei, mainly seen in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Its distribution is restricted to southeast Asian countries; a small pocket of endemicity exists in the northeast Indian state of Manipur. Here, we present a series of five cases presenting to our tertiary care hospital, originating from non-endemic states neighboring Manipur. In addition to the geographical distinction, a variety of unique features were noted in our cases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative hosts, the absence of typical skin lesions, presentation as pneumonia and generalized lymphadenopathy. Our series highlights the importance of distinguishing this disease from histoplasmosis and tuberculosis, both endemic in India.

Epidemiology of Subcutaneous Mycoses in Northeast India: A Retrospective Study

Background:

Subcutaneous mycoses, although rare, are frequently reported from northeast India. Their spectrum varies with geographic region.

Materials and Methods:

We evaluated clinical records and histopathological features of subcutaneous mycoses cases seen during April 2013 to March 2017.

Results:

A total of 70 patients (44 males and 26 females) of subcutaneous mycoses were analyzed. Sixty-one percent of patients were 20–60 years old. Duration of the disease ranged from 3 months to 25 years. Most common site of involvement was the lower limb (32, 46%), followed by the upper limb (25, 36%). A history of trauma was obtained from 76% of patients. Eighty-seven percent of patients were from rural area. Ninety-two percent of patients were agricultural workers. There were 30 established cases of chromoblastomycosis and 16 cases of sporotrichosis. In 24 cases, subcutaneous mycosis was suspected clinically and showed some improvement to empirical itraconazole therapy. Multifocal lesions were seen in six patients. Complication of subcutaneous mycoses in the form of invasive squamous cell carcinoma was seen in one patient. On histopathological examination, verrucous hyperplasia was seen in 93% of cases. Granulomas with suppuration were seen in 77% of cases and granulomas without suppuration were seen in 14.3% of cases. Copper penny bodies were appreciated in 42.8% of cases. Fungal culture was positive only in 55.7% of cases. There was growth of Sporothrix schenckii in 16 patients, Fonsecaea sp. in 19, Cladosporium sp. in 3, and Curvularia sp. in 1.

Conclusion:

Chromoblastomycosis was the most common subcutaneous mycoses seen in northeast India followed by sporotrichosis. The diagnosis remained a challenge in a few cases as the culture positivity was very low. Suppurative granulomas in histopathology played a corroborative role. Therapeutic trial of itraconazole for 2 months was worth trying in such cases.

Acne-Like Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides: A Rare Case Report and Review of Published Literatures

We report a rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides. A 21-year-old man was presented to our clinic with the history of cysts and nodules on his face and neck for 5 years. He was diagnosed subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis according to the finding of fungal elements in histopathological examination and direct microscopic examination of cyst pus, which was confirmed by positive culture of the cyst pus. The isolate grown on culture was identified as C. cladosporioides on the basis of morphological characters and sequence of the ITS region of ribosomal DNA. After treatment with oral itraconazole, he almost completely resolved the inflammatory lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of C. cladosporioides infection presented with multiple cysts and nodules like acne.

Subcutaneous Mycosis Due to Cladosporium cladosporioides and Bipolaris cynodontis from Assam, North-East India and Review of Published Literature

A large number of phaeoid fungi cause infection in humans and other animals which is characterized by the basic development of sclerotic body, dark-coloured filamentous hyphae as well as yeast-like cells in the invaded tissue. Two cases of subcutaneous mycosis in immunocompetent male patients aged 55 and 58 years attending Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Assam, north-east India, are reported. The first case was diagnosed as chromoblastomycosis which was caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides. The patient clinically presented with a chronic verrucous and nodular growth of 32-year duration on the left foot and leg. Identification of the species was done by sequencing the D1/D2 region of LSU (large subunit 28S rDNA). The patient was treated with surgical resection and oral itraconazole which showed good clinical response and total regression of lesion after 9 months. The second case due to Bipolaris cynodontis presented as verrucous exophytic growth over the dorsum of the right foot of 1-year duration which was diagnosed as chromoblastomycosis. The identification of the species was done by sequencing the ITS region. The patient was started with oral itraconazole but was lost to follow-up. Chromoblastomycosis due to Cladosporium cladosporioides is rare. Bipolaris cynodontis is not yet reported as a cause of human infection. The aetiological role of this fungus was confirmed by repeated isolation of the fungus from the lesion and direct microscopy. Molecular identification methods can increase the spectrum of black moulds causing human infection in coming years. We are reporting these two cases with review of the available literature.

Unilateral renal phaeohyphomycosis due to Bipolaris spicifera in an immunocompetent child - rare case presentation and review of literature

Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections caused by phaeoid fungi that can have an aggressive course in normal hosts. We report a case of left-sided renal phaeohyphomycosis due to Bipolaris spicifera in a 7-year-old immunocompetent male child. He presented with fever, dysuria, nausea, vomiting and flank pain. Examination revealed tenderness at the left costovertebral angle. Histological examination and culture of biopsy from left kidney and blood yielded the fungal pathogen Bipolaris spicifera. His past history revealed that he was diagnosed perinatally with bilateral hydronephrosis due to bilateral pelvic ureteric junction obstruction. He underwent an open dismembered pyeloplasty on the left side followed by the right side pyeloplasty at the age of 6 months and 1.5 years respectively. He was on a regular follow-up for 5 years and had been doing well. Now he was diagnosed as a case of unilateral renal phaeohyphomycosis. The patient was managed successfully with antifungal drugs amphotericin B and itraconazole. A review of previously reported bipolaris cases with their clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome is presented. Renal phaeohyphomycosis remains an unusual disease. Aggressive diagnostic approaches and careful management helped in survival of the patient.