Primary invasive cutaneous Microsporum canis infections in immunocompromised patients.

AUTOR(ES)

King, D

RESUMO

Two cases of primary invasive cutaneous infections caused by the zoophilic dermatophytic species Microsporum canis are presented. The first case occurred in a liver transplant recipient who was receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Multiple erythematous papules were seen on both legs, and a biopsy revealed invasive fungal hyphae. The second case was diagnosed in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive individual with a CD4 lymphocyte count of 81 mm3. Raised red nodules were seen on her scalp and face. Histopathology was consistent with bacillary angiomatosis, and in addition, invasive septate hyphae were observed. The two strains recovered from the biopsy specimens from both individuals had colony morphologies consistent with that of M. canis, but it was difficult to induce production of macroconidia. These cases serve to increase the awareness of this unusual infection, reinforce the need for cultures, and raise some interesting questions about the potential virulence of this dermatophyte species.

Documentos Relacionados

• Commentary: severe varicella/zoster and adenovirus infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Pneumocystis carinii, an opportunist in immunocompromised patients.
• Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay compared with Pastorex latex agglutination test for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients.
• Nonpulmonary manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised patients.
• Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis