A Case of Cutaneous Protothecosis.
- Author:
Woo Sun LEE
1
;
You Jeong KIM
;
Si Yong KIM
;
Kyoung Moon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. absolutua@freechal.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Protothecosis
- MeSH:
Aged;
Biopsy;
Cushing Syndrome;
Dermis;
Fluconazole;
Forearm;
Humans;
Itraconazole;
Prototheca;
Skin;
Sporangia;
Ulcer
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2006;44(5):648-651
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Protothecosis is an unusual human infection caused by the achlorophyllic algae Prototheca, and most commonly by Prototheca wickerhamii. A 65-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of a painful, erythematous, non-healing, ulcerative plaque on the extensor surface of his left forearm. He was previously diagnosed with diabetes and iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. A skin biopsy specimen revealed characteristic morula-like sporangia in the dermis by PAS positive staining. Prototheca wickerhamii was identified by culture and biochemical studies. Initially, itraconazole was administered for 8 weeks, followed by fluconazole, and the patient's condition was greatly improved.
