Trauma-Induced Phaeohyphomycosis in an Immunocompetent Host on Dupilumab

Abstract

Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare infection caused by dematiaceous fungi containing melanin in their cell wall. Patients are often immunocompromised, and cases seen in immunocompromised hosts have increased in recent years. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, has been linked to hypersensitivity reactions resulting in facial redness, and there is growing evidence that dupilumab may increase susceptibility to yeast infections as well. We present a case of trauma-induced cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in an immunocompetent host on dupilumab. As dupilumab becomes more commonly encountered in practice, this case is meant to explore the potential relationship between dupilumab and predisposition to opportunistic fungal infections.