A peculiar case of onychomycosis caused by Cladosporium halotolerans

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 Nov 17:21:eRC0326. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RC0326. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

A 49-year-old patient with changes in the nails of the hallux for 10 years was diagnosed with onychomycosis. The identity of the causative agent was confirmed as Cladosporium halotolerans from the Cladosporium sphaerospermum species complex using molecular techniques. MALDI-TOF identified the agent as C. sphaerospermum complex species. Overall, species such as onychomycosis agents should attract special attention to avoid mistakes in the identification process while considering a probable contaminant as responsible for the disease. These species deserve attention since there are rare descriptions of them as causes of onychomycosis. It is important to recognize them as causes of disease and not just as a probable contaminant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Onychomycosis* / diagnosis
  • Onychomycosis* / drug therapy

Supplementary concepts

  • Cladosporium halotolerans