Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Curvularia lunata in a renal transplant patient.

BACKGROUND

Phaeohyphomycosis is defined as an infection caused by melanized fungi. It predominates in tropical climate and is currently classified as superficial, allergic, central nervous system or lung infections, and disseminated. Curvularia is one of the many genres which can cause this disease. Phialophora, Alternaria and Exophiala are more commonly isolated from subcutaneous lesions.

CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old male, renal transplant recipient presents with an ulcer on his left leg. Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Curvularia lunata was diagnosed based on mycological examination and histopathological findings. He was successfully treated with systemic itraconazole and surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of phaeohyphomycosis has increased in the last decades, especially in immunosuppressed individuals; nevertheless the number of cases does not allow for therapeutic controlled trials to be performed. Hence, we consider that it is important to communicate individual cases and reviews of the literature, to increase awareness of the disease, its clinical presentation and response to treatment.