Utility of molecular identification in opportunistic mycotic infections: a case of cutaneous Alternaria infectoria infection in a cardiac transplant recipient

J Clin Microbiol. 2004 Nov;42(11):5334-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.42.11.5334-5336.2004.

Abstract

We report on a case of cutaneous infection caused by Alternaria infectoria in a cardiac transplant recipient. A rapid molecular diagnosis was obtained by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer domain of the 5.8S ribosomal DNA region amplified from colonies developed on Sabouraud medium. Treatment consisted of a combination of systemic antifungal therapy, first with amphotericin B and then with itraconazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alternaria / classification*
  • Alternaria / genetics*
  • Alternaria / isolation & purification
  • Culture Media
  • DNA, Fungal / analysis
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / analysis
  • Dermatomycoses / microbiology*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycological Typing Techniques
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S / genetics

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S