Brote de tinea capitis y otras micosis superficiales en una comunidad urbana de Medellín

Introducción. Las dermatofitosis son infecciones fúngicas superficiales de epitelios queratinizados. La tinea capitis es una de ellas y afecta a poblaciones escolares vulnerables. Carpinelo es un barrio del área periférica de Medellín con precarias condiciones socioeconómicas. Ante la sospecha de un brote de dermatofitosis, los afectados fueron evaluados. Objetivo. Evaluar clínica y microbiológicamente pacientes del barrio Carpinelo con sospecha de micosis cutáneas para determinar la presencia de un brote por dermatofitos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, de corte longitudinal, con muestreo a conveniencia. Se hizo una búsqueda activa de casos en el Jardín Educativo Buen Comienzo de Carpinelo en niños de la institución y sus familiares. Se evaluaron clínicamente y se tomaron muestras de escamas y cabellos para exámenes directos y cultivos microbiológicos. Se analizó el perfil demográfico, clínico y micológico, con el programa estadístico SPSS™, versión 25. Resultados. Se estudiaron 57 pacientes, 47 eran menores de edad con una media de edad de seis años; se observó una proporción de hombres y mujeres de 2:1. Los pacientes con resultados positivos se diagnosticaron con tinea capitis (78,95 %), tinea faciei (15,79 %) y tinea corporis (10,52 %). El 75,43 % de los pacientes recibió tratamiento previo y de estos el 69,73 % fue con esteroides. El examen directo fue positivo en el 53,84 % y los cultivos en el 46,5 % de los casos. Los agentes aislados fueron: Microsporum canis (77,77 %), Trichophyton spp. (11,11 %), Trichophyton rubrum (5,55 %) y Malassezia spp. (5,55 %). Conclusión. Tinea capitis fue la presentación clínica más común y M. canis el dermatofito más frecuentemente aislado. Llamó la atención el uso de esteroides como primera y única opción del tratamiento empírico, lo cual resalta la importancia del diagnóstico microbiológico para proporcionar la terapia apropiada.

Introduction. Dermatophytoses are superficial fungal infections of the keratinized epithelium like tinea capitis. The latte mainly affects school-vulnerable populations. Carpinelo is a peripheral neighborhood in Medellín with poor socioeconomic conditions and where a suspected tinea capitis outbreak took place. Objective. To study and characterize, clinically and microbiologically, patients with suspected dermatophytosis in Carpinelo. Material and methods. We carried out a descriptive and longitudinal study with an active case search of tinea capitis in children and their relatives from the Jardín Educativo Buen Comienzo community in Carpinelo. Patients were clinically evaluated, and samples of scales and hair were taken to perform mycological studies with a 10 % potassium hydroxide and culture in Sabouraud and Mycosel agar. We analyzed the data with the statistical program SPSS™. 25 version. Results. Fifty-seven individuals were studied: 47 were children with a mean age of six years and a ratio of 2:1 male to female. Patients with confirmed diagnosis presented the following clinical forms: tinea capitis (78.95%), tinea faciei (15.79%) or tinea corporis (10.52%). Out of the total, 69.76% of the patients had previous treatment with steroids. The direct test was positive in 53.84% of the samples, and 46.15% had positive cultures. The isolated species were: Microsporum canis (77.77%), Trichophyton spp. (11.11%), Trichophyton rubrum (5.55%), and Malassezia spp. (5.55 %). Conclusion. Tinea capitis was the most common clinical form, and M. canis was the most frequently isolated species. The use of steroids as the first and only option for empiric treatment was worth of notice. The findings of this study point out the importance of microbiological diagnosis in choosing the best treatment for the patients.

Cromoblastomicosis verrugosa-cicatricial multifocal: una entidad desatendida en Colombia

La cromoblastomicosis es una micosis subcutánea crónica de presentación clínica heterogénea que afecta principalmente a poblaciones de escasos recursos, lo que sumado al acceso limitado a los servicios de salud condiciona el retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento, ocasionando secuelas físicas graves. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 50 años con lesiones cutáneas verrugosas y cicatriciales de 30 años de evolución en la extremidad inferior y mano izquierda, además en cara en los últimos cinco años. Se realizó el diagnóstico de cromoblastomicosis de presentación multifocal y clínica mixta, con examen directo e histopatología compatibles, y cultivo para hongos positivo para Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Se indicó tratamiento oral con itraconazol y seguimiento clínico. Reconocer esta entidad es crucial para un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos, con el fin de evitar secuelas físicas y estigmatización secundaria. Se debe fortalecer en la atención primaria el reconocimiento de patologías desatendidas y de incidencia subestimada en Colombia, con una presentación multifocal mixta atípica y de un tiempo de evolución prolongado. El examen directo KOH es un herramienta accesible y económica en los primeros niveles de atención que puede contribuir al enfoque diagnóstico.

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis with heterogeneous clinical presentation. It mainly affects low-income populations, which added to limited access to health services delays diagnosis and treatment, causing serious physical sequelae. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man with warty and cicatricial skin lesions of 30 years of evolution, at the level of left lower limb and left hand, with face involvement in the last five years. A diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis with multifocal and mixed clinical presentation was made, based on compatible direct examination and histopathology, and positive fungal culture for Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Oral treatment with itraconazole and clinical followup were stablished. Recognizing this entity is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, to avoid physical sequelae and secondary stigmatization. Primary health care should be strengthened for the recognition of neglected diseases whose incidence is underestimated in Colombia, with an atypical mixed multifocal presentation and a long evolution time. The KOH direct examination is an accessible and economical tool in the first levels of care that can contribute to the diagnostic approach.

Kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in an adult

Abstract Tinea capitis is an uncommon infection in adults, and predominantly affects women and the elderly with hormonal disorders and immunosuppression. Clinical features are often polymorphic and atypical. A kerion celsi case in an elderly female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and menopause is presented. The diagnosis was established by direct examination and the isolation of Trichophyton tonsurans in culture and typified by microculture. Treatment with prednisone and itraconazol was very successful. Recognizing the presentation of tinea capitis in adults will help clinicians to avoid delay in the diagnosis, awareness of the risk factors and provide early treatment to minimize sequelae of the disease.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part II: viral, fungal and other infections,

Abstract In addition to the infestations and bacterial infections reported in part I, the study of entomodermoscopy also involves descriptions of dermoscopic findings of a growing number of viral and fungal infections, among others. In this article, the main clinical situations in viral infections where dermoscopy can be useful will be described, that is in the evaluation of viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, and even in recent scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As for fungal infections, dermoscopy is particularly important, not only in the evaluation of the skin surface, but also of skin annexes, such as hairs and nails. The differential diagnosis with skin tumors, especially melanomas, can be facilitated by dermoscopy, especially in the evaluation of cases of verruca plantaris, onychomycosis and tinea nigra.

Curso clínico de micosis producidas por Exophiala xenobiotica en paciente trasplantado renal en el Hospital Universitario de Burgos / Clinical course of micosis produced by exophiala xenobiotica in renal transplanted patient at the University Hospital of Burgos

Resumen Las micosis por Exophiala xenobiotica comprenden un amplio espectro clínico en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, desde infecciones localizadas, hasta diseminadas. Son incluidas como etiología de las feohifomicosis, actualmente consideradas como infecciones fúngicas emergentes en pacientes trasplantados de órgano sólido. Presentamos 2 casos de micosis por Eexophiala xenobiotica en paciente trasplantado renal, una micosis cutánea localizada y una infección sistémica con afectación del sistema nervioso central.

Abstract Mycosis by exophiala xenobiotica comprise a broad clinical spectrum in immunosuppressed patients, from localized to disseminated infections. They are a recognized etiology of phaeohyphomycosis, currently considered as emerging fungal infections in transplanted solid organ recipients. We present 2 cases of mycosis by exophiala xenobiotica in kidney transplant recipients, a localized cutaneous mycosis and a systemic infection with central nervous system involvement.

Occurrence of dermatophytoses in patients from the Sistema Único de Saúde

Abstract: Background: Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous disease caused by filamentous keratinophilic fungi belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton, which present a high prevalence in the general population, being among the most common mycoses affecting about 20% of the world's population. Objective: To carry out the epidemiological survey of cases of dermatophytosis in patients from the Sistema Único de Saúde in a regional Laboratory in the period of 5 years (2009 to 2013). Methods: A retrospective study (January 2009 to December 2013) was carried out with a qualitative and quantitative design, through the registry book of the laboratory, Mycology Sector, where cases of patients with suspected dermatomycosis were analyzed. Results: In a 5-year period, a total of 4467 cases were suspected of having a fungal infection. Of these, 68.74% (3071) cases were of dermatomycosis. In relation to cultures with fungal growth, 12.54% (385 cases) were dermatophyte fungi and 7.97% (245 cases) non-dermatophyte fungi were isolated. Among the species identified, there was a higher prevalence of T. rubrum complex (75%), T. mentagrophytes complex (11.68%) and M. canis (7.01%). Regarding the sites analyzed, nail involvement was the most frequent in 75% of the cases. Study Limitations: This work is representative in the studied region. Conclusions: Dermatomycosis samples are the most frequent among all samples of fungal infections from these patients, with the nail being the most affected area and the fungi T. rubrum complex and T. mentagrophytes complex the most frequent.

Study of tissue inflammatory response in different mice strains infected by dematiaceous fungi Fonsecaea pedrosoi

Abstract: Background: Diseases caused by melanized fungi include mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. This broad clinical spectrum depends on the dynamic interactions between etiologic agent and host. The immune status of the host influences on the development of the disease, as, an exemple. phaeohyphomicosis is more frequently observed in immunocompromised patients. Objectives: Examine the histological inflammatory response induced by Fonsecaea pedrosoi in several different strains of mice (BALB/c, C57BL/6, Nude and SCID, and reconstituted Nude). Methods: Fonsecaea pedrosoi was cultivated on agar gel and a fragment of this gel was implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal region of female adult mice. After infection has been obtained, tissue fragment was studied histopathologically. Results: There were significant changes across the strains, with the nodular lesion more persistent in Nude and SCID mice, whereas in immunocompetent mice the lesion progressed to ulceration and healing. The histopathological analysis showed a significant acute inflammatory reaction which consisted mainly of neutrophils in the initial phase that was subsequently followed by a tuberculoid type granuloma in immunocompetent mice. Study limitations: There is no a suitable animal model for chromoblastomycosis. Conclusions: The neutrophilic infiltration had an important role in the containment of infection to prevent fungal spreading, including in immunodeficient mice. The fungal elimination was dependent on T lymphocytes. The re-exposure of C57BL/6 mice to Fonsecaea pedrosoi caused a delay in resolving the infection, and appearance of muriform cells, which may indicate that re-exposure to fungi, might lead to chronicity of infection.

Primer reporte de caso autóctono de tinea nigra en Chile / First autochthonous case report of tinea nigra in Chile

Resumen La tinea nigra es una infrecuente micosis superficial causada por el hongo dematiáceo Hortaea werneckii. Se presenta habitualmente en zonas costeras tropicales, siendo muy escasos los reportes en países sudamericanos con climas más templados. Habitualmente corresponde a infecciones importadas por viajeros. Se presenta el caso de una paciente adulta chilena, sin historia previa de viajes recientes, cursando con cuadro clínico y microbiológico compatible con tinea nigra palmar, tratado con itraconazol oral y sertaconazol tópico con respuesta favorable. Esta paciente corresponde al primer caso reportado en Chile de origen autóctono.

Abstract Tinea nigra is an infrequent superficial mycosis caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. It usually occurs in tropical coastal areas, with very few reports in South American countries with temperate climates, generally corresponding to infections imported by travelers. We present the case of a Chilean adult patient, with no previous history of recent trips, with clinical and microbiological background consistent with palmar tinea nigra, treated with oral itraconazole and topical sertaconazole with a favorable response. This article is the first case reported in Chile, of autochthonous origin.

Prevalence of dermatoses in patients referred for evaluation in an outpatient clinic of specialties

Abstract: Background: Brazilian Unified Health System presents a long waiting period for a dermatology appointment, varying from 34 to 239 days. Objectives: Analyze the prevalence of cutaneous diseases evaluated by dermatologists in a specialized center, in patients referred from the primary care, and to present possible interventions for the primary units. Methods: Retrospective analyses of the International Codes of Diseases (ICD-10) described in every dermatology appointment in a specialty center in Sao Paulo from January 2014 to August 2015. Results: A total of 7.350 consultations were included. Superficial mycosis corresponded to 1,058 (14.4%) of the main complaints and dermatophytosis was the most frequently used ICD, corresponding to 481 individual consultations (6.5%), followed by onychomycosis, responsible for 464 consultations (6.3%), acne in 347 (4,7%). and contact dermatitis in 311 consultations (4,2%). Study limitations: The study was based on retrospective analysis of ICD described and no previous orientation for a solid use of the codes was performed to the dermatology team; consultations in which the ICD was not informed or a non-especific ICD was used were excluded; different dermatologists were responsible for the consultations. Conclusion: Superficial mycosis corresponded to 14.4% of the chief complaints in the studied period and was the most frequent cause of reference from primary care doctors to dermatologists. Prevalence data obtained in the present study could assist the capacitation policies in the primary care system, focusing the dermatology teaching in the most prevalent dermatological disorders.

Estudio Trasversal: Micosis Superficiales en Niños Escolares de una Parroquia Rural de Cuenca, Ecuador / Cross - Sectional - Research: Superficial Mycoses in Scholar Children of a Rural Parish in Cuenca, Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las micosis superficiales constituyen un importante problema de salud a nivel mundial, siendo mayor su frecuencia en niños y adultos jóvenes. Existen escasos estudios científicos publicados en Ecuador sobre esta patología, en particular en la provincia del Azuay. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de micosis superficiales en niños escolares y sus agentes etiológicos. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con 294 pacientes, las edades entre 3 y 14 años, pertenecieron a una escuela fiscal de la parroquia rural "El Valle", provincia del Azuay - Cuenca, Ecuador. Se examinó físicamente a cada participante para caracterizar lesiones sugestivas de micosis; a las muestras tomadas de las lesiones, se aplicó las técnicas de diagnóstico micológico como análisis directo, cultivo e identificación de agentes fúngicos mediante caracterización macroscópica y microscópica de las colonias. RESULTADOS: De los 294 pacientes evaluados (72.8 % hombres), 234 (79.6 %) presentaron lesiones sugestivas de micosis superficial; en 179 participantes (60.9 %) se identificó al menos un agente fúngico en las muestras analizadas, sin diferencias significativas entre género y edad (p: > 0.05). Los dermatofitos fueron los hongos más frecuentes (58.2 %), siendo Trichophyton schoenleinii y Trichophyton mentagrophytes las especies mayormente reportadas. CONCLUSIONES: Se concluyó que las micosis superficiales afectaron a más de la mitad de los niños en edad escolar en la población estudiada. Los dermatofitos son los principales agentes etiológicos aislados, de los cuales se identificaron ciertas especies que varían en frecuencia con relación a lo reportado en otros países de Latinoamérica.

BACKGROUND: Superficial mycoses constitute a health problem worldwide, being a major frequency in children and young adults. There are few scientific studies published in Ecuador on this pathology, in particularin the province of Azuay. The aimofthe study was to determine the frequency of superficialmycoses in school children and their etiological agents. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, with 294 patients, aged between3and14 years,belongingtoafiscal schoolinthe ruralparish"ElValle",provinceofAzuay - Cuenca, Ecuador. Each participant was physically examined to characterize lesions suggestive of mycosis; to the samples taken from the lesions, the techniques of mycological diagnosis were applied as direct analysis, culture, and identification of fungal agents by means of macroscopic andmicroscopic characterization ofthe colonies. RESULTS: The 294 patients evaluated (72.8 % men), 234 participants (79.6 %) had lesions suggestive of superficialmycosis; in the 179 participants atleast one fungal agent was identified in the analyzed samples (60.9 %), with no significant differences between gender and age (p: > 0.05). Dermatophytes were the most frequently identified fungal agent (58.2%, n= 201), with Trichophyton schoenleinii and Trichophytonmentagrophytes being themostfrequently reported species. CONCLUSIONS: Itis concluded that superficialmycoses affectedmore than half of school-age children in the study population. Dermatophytes were the main isolated etiological agents, from which certain species had been identified that vary in frequency in relation to thatreported in other Latin American countries.

Esporotricosis y cromoblastomicosis: revisión de la literatura / Sporotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis: literature review

Resumen Las micosis subcutáneas hacen referencia a infecciones producidas por hongos que se encuentran en la naturaleza, adquiridas por inoculación directa y limitadas a la dermis y tejido celular subcutáneo, pero pueden extenderse hacia la epidermis o hacia planos más profundos llegando a comprometer estructuras óseas, así como diseminarse y producir enfermedad sistémica. Dentro de las micosis subcutáneas más importantes en nuestro medio y de las cuales se hablarán en este artículo están la esporotricosis y la cromoblastomicosis; mientras que las menos frecuentes incluyen micetoma, quistes faeomicóticos, lacaziosis y la zigomicosis subcutánea.

Abstract Subcutaneous mycoses, refer to infections caused by fungi which the eco-togic niche is the nature, they are acquired by direct inocutation, timited to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, but may extend into the epidermis or deeper tevets reaching compromise bone structures and systemic spread and cause disease. Among the most important in our country, and which witt discuss in this articte, subcutaneous mycoses are sporotrichosis and chromobtastomycosis, mycetoma inctude tess frequent, the faeomycosis, tacaziosis, and subcutaneous zygomycosis.

Dermoscopy of Superficial Dermatomycosis / 대한의진균학회지

While mycological examinations, potassium hydroxide preparation, and fungus culture remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of superficial dermatomycoses, mycological procedures have limitations because they are rather complex, time-consuming, and require skilled personnel and additional mycological tools. Dermoscopy is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic technique that allows better visualization of morphologic structures of the skin than the naked eye. It is easily performed with a hand-held dermoscope and allows immediate diagnosis. It has been primarily used to evaluate pigmented skin lesions, but recent advances indicate that it can also be a useful and convenient tool for diagnosing superficial dermatomycoses. The determination of specific dermoscopic patterns of fungal infection, especially in selected cases involving terminal hairs or nails, could lead to a straightforward diagnosis and facilitate their differentiation from non-fungal skin diseases. In addition, dermoscopy permits better inspection of subtle clinical features caused by fungi that are less evident to the naked eye; thus, in most cases, it can enhance clinician's diagnostic accuracy and confidence level, and allow determination of the best site for adequate mycological sampling as well as therapeutic monitoring. However, it should be a part of the evaluation in combination with other mycological tests because it does not substitute confirmatory examination for superficial dermatomycoses.

Frecuencia de dermatomicosis y factores asociados en población vulnerable. Manizales, Colombia / Dermatomicosis frequency and associated factors in vulnerable population. Manizales, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia de las dermatomicosis en personas de diferentes instituciones de atención social en la ciudad de Manizales durante el año 2011. Método Mediante la toma de muestras de los sitios que presentaban algún tipo de lesión sospechosa de ser una micosis cutánea, se hizo un análisis directo con KOH y cultivo en medios de Saboureaud y Mycosel. Se aplicó un instrumento de recolección de información para establecer factores asociados con la presencia de estos microorganismos. Resultados Los hongos levaduriformes encontrados con mayor frecuencia fueron: Candida albicans, Trichosporon sp, y los mohos saprofitos Penicillium sp, fusarium sp; seguido de hongos dermatofitos como: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum y Microsporum gypseum. Las lesiones secas y descamativas se encontraron con mayor frecuencia. El compartir baños y vivir en hacinamiento y el uso de elementos comunes fueron los factores asociados más importantes en este estudio. Conclusiones Las dermatomicosis son frecuentes en poblaciones vulnerables y se asocian a diferentes factores muy similares a los encontrados en otros estudios de igual naturaleza.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the frequency of ringworm in people of different social care institutions in the city of Manizales in 2011. Method Using the sampling sites that had some kind of suspicious lesion from a cutaneous mycosis, direct analysis with KOH and culture media was Saboureaud and Mycosel. An instrument of data collection was used to establish factors associated with the presence of these microorganisms. Results The yeast found most frequently were: Candida albicans, Trichosporon sp and Penicillium molds saprophytes sp, Fusarium sp, followed by dermatophyte fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum gypseum. Dry scaly lesions were found more frequently. The shared bathrooms and living in overcrowded and the use of common elements were the most important in this study associated factors. Conclusions Dermatomycoses are common in vulnerable populations and are associated with different very similar to those found in other studies of the same nature factors.(AU)

Phaeohyphomycosis infection in the knee / Infecção por feohifomicose em joelho

Phaeohyphomycosis is caused by cutaneous fungi and rarely affects large joints. This is a case report on phaeohyphomycosis in the left knee of an elderly individual without immunosuppression. It was accompanied by pain and swelling the anterior knee. The case was first suspected to be suprapatellar bursitis, and was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, without remission of symptoms. Surgical treatment was performed, with resection of the suprapatellar bursa and anterior region of the quadriceps tendon. The material was sent for anatomopathological examination and culturing. The pathological examination showed phaeohyphomycosis. The treatment instituted consisted of itraconazole, 200 mg/day for six weeks, and complete remission of symptoms was achieved. The physical examination remained normal after one year of follow-up. This is the first published case of phaeohyphomycosis infection in the suprapatellar region of the knee. Although almost all the cases reported have been associated with immunosuppressed patients, this was an exception. It is important to suspect phaeohyphomycosis in cases of knee infection, in the area of the suprapatellar bursa, when the symptoms do not resolve after clinical treatment.

A feohifomicose, causada por fungos demáceos, raramente acomete grandes articulações. Este é um relato de caso de feohifomicose, em joelho esquerdo de idoso não imunossuprimido, acompanhado de dor e aumento de volume em região anterior do joelho. Suspeitou-se de bursite suprapatelar, sendo medicado com anti-inflamatório não esteroidal, sem apresentar remissão dos sintomas. Fez-se tratamento cirúrgico, foram ressecadas a bursa suprapatelar e a região anterior do tendão do quadríceps sendo a peça encaminhada para exame anatomopatológico e cultura. No exame anatomopatológico foi possível evidenciar o diagnóstico de feohifomicose. O tratamento instituído foi itraconazol, 200 mg/dia por seis semanas, apresentando remissão completa do quadro. O exame físico se manteve normal após um ano de seguimento. Este é o primeiro caso publicado a respeito da infecção por feohifomicose em região suprapatelar. Apesar de quase todos os casos registrados estarem associados a pacientes imunossuprimidos, este foi uma exceção. É importante que se suspeite de feohifomicose nas infecções de joelho, na área da bursa suprapatelar, quando os sintomas não resolverem após o tratamento clínico medicamentoso.

A case of cutaneous Arthrinium phaeospermum infection after lower limb amputation / 中华皮肤科杂志

A 59?year?old female patient, who received bilateral lower limb amputation 39 years ago, presented with eczematoid changes in both lower limbs for over 20 years, and with chronic granuloma?like lesions complicated by verrucous hyperplasia for more than 10 years. There were large areas of infiltrative and proliferative lesions with exudation and peripheral erythema at the amputation sites in both knee joints. The lesions were hard with tenderness on palpation. Microscopic examination of lesional scales with 10%KOH showed negative results for fungi. However, three times of culture on the Sabouraud dextrose agar(SDA)medium all grew the same kind of fungus, and the front side and reverse side of its filamentous colony were white and orange yellow respectively. Microculture showed that linear hyaline conidiophores came out from lageniform mother cells with conidia ascending alongside. The conidia looked like dark brown eye lens, with an equatorial germ slit. Based on these findings, this fungus was identified as Arthrinium phaeospermum. Periodic acid?Schiff (PAS) staining showed scattered hyphae in the stratum corneum. The internal transcribe spacer(ITS)sequence of the isolated fungus showed 99%consistency with that of Arthrinium phaeospermum. The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous Arthrinium phaeospermum infection, and treated with oral itraconazole capsules 200 mg/d for 16 days. One month later, follow?up showed satisfactory outcomes.

Epidemiological and clinical pattern of dermatomycoses in rural India.

Superfi cial fungal infections are most common in tropical and subtropical countries. In this study, 297 suspected superfi cial fungal infection cases were identifi ed among 15,950 patients screened. The collected samples (skin, nail, and hair) were subjected to direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide and cultured on Sabourauds dextrose agar to identify the fungal species. The prevalence of superfi cial fungal infection was 27.6% (82/297), dermatophytosis was 75.6% (62/82), and non-dermatophytosis was 24.4% (20/82). Among the isolated dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest species (79%) and Candida (60%) the commonest non-dermatophytic species. Tinea corporis was the commonest (78%) clinical presentation.

Goya and tinea favosa

A case of a tinea favosa involving the scalp of a child represented in the painting "Boys climbing a tree" (Muchachos trepando a un árbol), by Francisco Goya y Lucientes, with pictorial representation of favic scutula and consequent alopecia.

Case for diagnosis

Majocchi's granuloma is a persistent supurative folliculitis, associated with a deep granulomatous reaction induced by dermatophytes. There are two clinical forms of Majocchi's granuloma: the superficial form that appears in healthy individuals after localized trauma; and the nodular form, which occurs in inmunocompromised patients. We present a case of nodular Majocchi's granuloma on the forearm of an immunocompetent patient. Microbiological culture and examination of a deep aspiration sample identified Trichophyton rubrum. Collecting a deep sample of tissue is essential in achieving a good diagnostic performance.

Scanning electron microscopy of tinea nigra

Tinea nigra is a rare superficial mycosis caused by Hortaea werneckii. This infection presents as asymptomatic brown to black maculae mostly in palmo-plantar regions. We performed scanning electron microscopy of a superficial shaving of a tinea nigra lesion. The examination of the outer surface of the sample showed the epidermis with corneocytes and hyphae and elimination of fungal filaments. The inner surface of the sample showed important aggregation of hyphae among keratinocytes, which formed small fungal colonies. The ultrastructural findings correlated with those of dermoscopic examination - the small fungal aggregations may be the dark spicules seen on dermoscopy - and also allowed to document the mode of dissemination of tinea nigra, showing how hyphae are eliminated on the surface of the lesion.