Case for diagnosis. Ulcer and papular lesions in a patient with diabetes mellitus. protothecosis

ABSTRACT

Abstract Protothecosis is a rare disease caused by achlorophilic algae of the genus Prototheca spp. In general, three clinical forms are observed cutaneous, articular and systemic. The cutaneous form is the most common one. This study describes a patient with isolated erythematous papules and erythematous papular plaques in the scapular regions, with a previous histopathological diagnosis of cryptococcosis. New tests were conclusive for the diagnosis of protothecosis, caused by Prototheca wickerhamii.