[Chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis, overlooked fungal diseases]

Klin Mikrobiol Infekc Lek. 2020 Jun;26(2):54-61.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

Dark-pigmented microscopic fungi are worldwide-spread soil saprophytes often found on plant remnants. In chromoblastomycosis, infectious particles of these fungi enter the human body at the site of injury and may cause chronic infection, mainly in tropical and subtropical endemic areas. Chromoblastomycosis is almost exclusively diagnosed in patients with fully functioning immunity, with typically muriform cells present in infected tissue distinguishing this condition from phaeohyphomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis, a less specific disease caused by dark-pigmented fungi, usually makes tissue necrotize rather than proliferate, involves a broader range of pathogens of the kingdom Fungi and is mainly associated with immune disorders. Chromoblastomycosis is usually a threat to male adults, globally considered an occupational disease affecting farmers, gardeners, loggers, agricultural commodity traders and other workers exposed to contaminated soil or handling materials of plant origin. In the Czech Republic, immunocompetent patients may be at risk of chromoblastomycosis as imported infection. In the past, however, the infection was also rarely documented as autochthonous in the country.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chromoblastomycosis* / diagnosis
  • Chromoblastomycosis* / drug therapy
  • Czech Republic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / microbiology*
  • Phaeohyphomycosis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents