ABSTRACT
The present report describes a case of onychoprotothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in a nonimmunocompromized female. Dermatological examination showed yellowish discoloration of the left and right forefinger nails, showing onicolysis and hyperkeratosis. The repeated isolation of the algae Prototheca (organisms morula-like) as well as the repeated culture in media, Sabouraud agar, confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with tioconazol 1% topic solution. The aim of this paper was to present a rare condition.
Subject(s)
Infections/diagnosis , Nail Diseases/diagnosis , Prototheca/growth & development , Brazil , Female , Humans , Imidazoles/therapeutic use , Infections/drug therapy , Infections/microbiology , Middle Aged , Nail Diseases/drug therapy , Nail Diseases/microbiology , Prototheca/drug effects , Prototheca/isolation & purification , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The present report describes a case of cutaneous protothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in a nonimmunocompromised Brazilian female. Dermatological examination revealed a 15-cm diffusely infiltrated eczema-like plaque recovered with many pustule-like lesions on the right forearm. We emphasize the mycological and pathological aspects of this infection that can lead to misdiagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with itraconazole.
