Cutaneous Exophiala oligosperma Infection in a Patient with Bullous Pemphigoid with a Review of the Literature

Abstract

Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by a heterogeneous group of melanized fungi. Human infections due to members of genus Exophiala are rare but may occur at any part of the body. We herein report a case of an 85-year-old male with a history of bullous pemphigoid who presented with a chronic, non-healing wound on his right dorsal hand for a month. Direct microscopy of a pus sample from the base of the ulcer revealed strands of pigmented, moniliform hyphae. The isolate was identified as E. oligosperma based on morphological characters and sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and partial beta-tubulin gene. The patient received a three-month course of oral itraconazole with no recurrence.

Phaeohyphomycosis Due to Exophiala oligosperma in an Immunocompromised Host

“…Exophiala is a genus of saprophytic fungi that have been isolated from hot, humid, and oligotrophic environments. Phaeohyphomycosis encompasses a heterogeneous group of infections caused by dematiaceous fungi including Exophiala species in immunocompromised hosts, in whom they could cause infection through a minor scratch 1,2,3 .…”