Subcutaneous Mycosis in Hospitals: Study of 3 Cases at The National University Hospital Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou (Benin)

Abstract

Introduction: Deep subcutaneous mycosis results from the involvement of subcutaneous tissue by microscopic fungi. Few studies have been conducted on these diseases in Benin. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study that included all cases of subcutaneous mycosis recorded in the Dermatology-Venerology Department of the CNHU-HKM from 2009 to 2020. Results: 3 cases of deep subcutaneous mycosis were recorded in 12 years, including two cases of basidiobolomycosis and one case of fungal mycetoma. The cases of basidiobolomycosis were observed in two girls aged 7 and 8 years whose lesions were located on the right buttock, in the form of indurated placards, adherent to the superficial plane, measuring respectively 10cm by 5cm and 14cm by 7cm. Mycological examination of the biopsy specimens isolated Basidiobolus ranarum. The only case of fungal mycetoma was observed in a 39-year-old man, in the form of a nodular placard measuring 14cm by 12cm, polyfistulised, inflammatory and squamous-crusty with an irregular border that had been evolving for 15 years. Mycological examination of the pus revealed the presence of black grains and the identification of Madurella mycetomatis. Treatment with Ketoconazole was initiated in all three patients but the evolution could not be appreciated. Conclusion : Subcutaneous mycosis is rare in Cotonou, but probably underestimated. Keywords: Subcutaneous Mycosis; Mycetoma; Basidiobolomycosis; Benin