[Chromoblastomycosis in Gabon. Study of 64 cases]

Abstract

During the last 25 years, 64 cases of chromoblastomycosis were diagnosed in Gabon. They came from the entire territory, where living in rural zones men as well as women were affected. The evolution of the disease has lasted for more than 10 years for the majority of the cases. The preferential location is the lower limb for 78.5% of the patients, with a double localization for one case and an exceptional malignant transformation for another case. Two clinical aspects emerged, despite an apparent polymorphism: extensive patches and warty nodules, spread apart from or adjacent to the others. The histological images were classical and the fumagoid cells, sometimes budding and filamentous, were easily detected during examination of the squama and scabs. Fonsecaea pedrosoï was the only identified species. The 5-fluorocytosine treatment constantly led to an improvement of the lesions. The major problem for these destitute patients is economic, concerning the cost of the therapy.