Cutaneous Scedosporium apiospermum infection in an immunocompromised patient and a review of the literature

Abstract

Scedosporium apiospermum (also known as Pseudallescheria boydii) is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus. This fungus is known as a cause of mycetoma, which may occur in a normally immune host following trauma. However, in an immunocompromised host, S. apiospermum may cause a life-threatening infection. We describe a case of S. apiospermum infection of the right hand in a patient who was receiving long-term immunosuppressants for adult Still's disease. We also review the cases of S. apiospermum infection with cutaneous manifestations reported between 1998 and 2003.