Cutaneous manifestations of subcutaneous and systemic fungal infections in tropical regions: a retrospective study from a referral center in southern Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Deep cutaneous fungal infections, including subcutaneous mycoses and systemic fungal infection with cutaneous involvement, cause significant morbidity and mortality in light of increasing immunocompromised patients and global warming. Although a few studies reviewed deep fungal infections in temperate regions, a relevant study in tropical regions is lacking. We evaluated features of deep cutaneous fungal infections in southern Taiwan among the tropical regions.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all histopathological specimens with deep cutaneous fungal infections in a single referral center from 2001 to 2014 and successfully identified 23 cases. Medical chart review revealed patient demographic data, clinical presentation, underlying disease, microbiological culture reports, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: The average patient age was 52 years. Fourteen cases had primary subcutaneous mycoses, and nine had systemic mycoses. Fifteen patients were immunocompromised, including hematological malignancies. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and long-term steroid use were most commonly associated with deep fungal infections. The positive culture growth rate was 63%. Fonsecaea sp. was most frequently identified by tissue culture. Aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and disseminated cryptococcosis were particularly fatal.

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and long-term steroid use appear as major risk factors for advanced mycoses in this region. Rapid diagnosis with skin biopsy and tissue culture along with appropriate treatment of deep cutaneous fungal infection are necessary.