Skin lesions associated with Fusarium infection

Abstract

Infections caused by Fusarium species are increasing in frequency among immunocompromised hosts. We identified 35 patients with cancer who had Fusarium skin lesions. Twenty patients had disseminated infection, 6 had primary localized skin infections, 4 had skin lesions associated with sinus infections, and 5 had onychomycosis. All patients (except 3 with onychomycosis) had hematologic malignancies and neutropenia. Skin lesions associated with disseminated infection included red or gray macules, papules (some with central necrosis or eschar), pustules, and subcutaneous nodules. Most patients had a variety of lesions simultaneously. Multiple red or gray macules with central ulceration or black eschar are characteristic of Fusarium infection. Disseminated infection may originate from skin lesions or onychomycosis. Most infections fail to respond to antifungal therapy unless there is resolution of the patient's neutropenia.