Cutaneous protothecosis--case report

Cutaneous protothecosis is a rare infection caused by achlorophyllic algae of the genus Prototheca. The lesions usually occur on exposed areas, related with trauma, in immunocompromised patients. The most common clinical presentation is a vesicobullous and ulcerative lesion with pustules and scabs,...

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Published in:Anais brasileiros de dermatología 2013-12, Vol.88 (6 Suppl 1), p.183-185
Main Authors: Silva, Pâmela Craveiro Gomes da, Costa e Silva, Sabrina Beirão da, Lima, Ricardo Barbosa, D'Acri, Antonio Macedo, Lupi, Omar, Martins, Carlos José
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use
Biopsy
Case Report
DERMATOLOGY
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - immunology
Female
Harmful algal bloom
Humans
Immune tolerance
Itraconazole - therapeutic use
Middle Aged
Opportunistic infections
Prototheca
Seaweed
Skin Diseases, Infectious - drug therapy
Skin Diseases, Infectious - immunology
Skin Diseases, Infectious - pathology
Skin diseases, parasitic
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Cutaneous protothecosis is a rare infection caused by achlorophyllic algae of the genus Prototheca. The lesions usually occur on exposed areas, related with trauma, in immunocompromised patients. The most common clinical presentation is a vesicobullous and ulcerative lesion with pustules and scabs, simulating bacterial, fungal or herpetic infections or eczema. The diagnosis is determined by agent identification through histopathology, culture and the carbohydrates assimilation test. The finding of morula-like spherules is characteristic of Prototheca sp. Its rarity and non-specific clinical aspect may difficult the disease diagnosis. We report a case of a diabetic patient, in chronic use of systemic corticosteroids, that developed a skin lesion after trauma to the right leg.
ISSN:0365-0596
1806-4841
1806-4841
0365-0596
DOI:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132232