Alternaria alternata soft tissue infection in a forearm transplant recipient.

BACKGROUND

Composite tissue allograft recipients require intensive immunosuppression and are therefore at risk of infections. Filamentous fungal infections are among the complications most difficult to manage in organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

CASE REPORT: Two years after bilateral forearm transplantation, a 35-year-old patient presented with a tumor-like lesion on his thigh after a penetrating injury caused by a sliver acquired during hiking. The lesion was excised completely, and microscopic examination revealed a filamentous fungal infection. Alternaria alternata was identified as the causative agent. Induction therapy with liposomal amphotericin B for one week followed by oral itraconazole maintenance therapy for eight weeks was successful, with no signs of recurrence or side effects at 18 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of invasive A. alternata infection in a composite tissue allograft recipient. The infection was managed successfully with local excision and systemic antifungal treatment.