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Review
. 2014 Oct;31(5):310-21.
doi: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40949. Epub 2014 Oct 22.

Chromoblastomycosis

Paweł M Krzyściak  1 , Małgorzata Pindycka-Piaszczyńska  2 , Michał Piaszczyński  3
Affiliations
Review

Chromoblastomycosis

Paweł M Krzyściak et al. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014 Oct.

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The infection usually results from a traumatic injury and inoculation of microorganism from a specific group of dematiaceous fungi (usually Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Phialophora verrucosa, Cladophialophora carrionii). In the tissues fungi produce characteristic sclerotic cells or muriform cells. Dermal lesions can range from small nodules to large papillary-like eruptions. The disease has been described worldwide but the prevalence is higher in rural populations in countries with a tropical or subtropical climate, such as Madagascar in Africa and Brazil in South America. Diagnostic techniques are based on direct examination, culture and histopathology. Despite a variety of treatment modalities, which include long courses of antifungals, surgical excision and destructive physical therapies, the disease remains one of the most difficult deep mycotic infections to eradicate.

Keywords: Fonsecaea pedrosoi; diagnosis; epidemiology; mycoses; treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sclerotic cells (Medlar bodies) inside Langhans giant cell obtained histopathologically – skin biopsy specimen
Figure 2
Figure 2
Conidiophores of F. pedrosoi – Cotton Blue Lactophenol staining
Figure 3
Figure 3
Fonsecaea pedrosoi colony on SGA medium after 14 days of incubation
Figure 4
Figure 4
Geographical distribution of chromoblastomycosis based on CDC [65], and the PubMed Base review
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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