A Case of Pseudallescheria boydii Mycetoma / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Pseudallescheria (P.) boydii is a true fungus that is ubiquitous in nature, and has a world-wide distribution. It has been isolated from soil, plant debris, polluted water and sewage. Infection may occur via direct inoculation or inhalation, and usually affects the extremities. It is a common cause of mycetoma characterized by tumefaction, draining sinuses and grains. It has polymorphism due to a complicated life cycle which undergoes teleomorph as well as anamorph stages. Cleistothecia, ascocarp and ascospore may be seen during the teleomorph stages, whereas scedosporium and graphium type may be seen during the anamorph stages. We report a case of P. boydii mycetoma occurring in a 69-year old male. He had multiple nodules with a discharging fistula on a dark red plaque at the dorsum of the right forearm. Cultural isolation for definitive diagnosis showed typical P. boydii. The lesion responded well to daily itraconazole.