White piedra of scalp hair by Trichosporon inkin

Abstract

White piedra is a rare fungal infection of hair and is reported to be all the more rare on scalp. Trichosporon inkin is usually associated with white piedra of pubic hair. We report a case of white piedra of scalp hair caused by T. inkin. This is the first case reported from India and the fifth case reported worldwide. A 50-year-old Muslim female presented with white knots over scalp hair. Diagnosis of Trichosporon was made by examining KOH mounts of epilated hair and Lactophenol Cotton Blue preparations of the growth in culture. Automated mini-API test (for biochemical profiles) and Electronmicroscopy studies (for cell wall structures) helped in identification of the species. Mini-API test was also positive for Cryptococcus curvatus which could be due to similarity in biochemical and physiological properties of the two species. Absence of C. curvatus on culture further supports this view. Topical antifungal therapy resulted in clinical clearance within 2 months. Higher incidence of scalp white piedra is observed in Muslim females; contributing factor being the custom of using a veil, leading to higher humidity and limited sunlight exposure.

A rare case of white piedra caused by Candida parapsilosis in the Sub-Himalayan Region of North India

“…Trichosporon species has been identified as the causative agent in all reported cases from India; however, all cases were from tropical regions (South India and Chandigarh). [78910] Ours is the first case from a temperate region. A definite relationship between the yeast causing white piedra and geographic location needs to be ascertained in future studies.…”

Nodules on the hair: A rare case of mixed piedra

“…Both black-and-white piedra occur predominantly in humid tropical and semi-tropical areas (Africa, South America, and Asia). [34567] However, white piedra has been reported from temperate climatic areas like Europe, USA and Japan as well. Common sources of infection in both types are stagnant water and soil.…”