title: Onychomycosis and keratomycosis caused by Alternaria sp. A bipolar opportunistic infection in a wood-pulp worker on chronic steroid therapy.
abstract: We report a case of Alternaria infection of the nail and cornea in an immunocompromised patient working in the paper-manufacturing industry. This unusual clinical presentation could represent an occupational disorder. The importance of histologic examination of the altered nails is emphasized. The proof of a real nondermatophytic onychomycosis is established only when hyphae of culture-proven molds are shown inside the nail plate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatopathology, Liège University Hospital, Belgium.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Arrese
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piérard-Franchimont
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Piérard
mesh_terms: D000528:Alternaria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000473:pathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000473:pathology*; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000473:pathology*; D010209:Paper; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone