title: Microsporum canis infection mimics pemphigus erythematosus.
abstract: We report a 55-year-old Japanese woman with a two-month history of multiple pruritic erythema and erosion on her face and neck. Based on the clinical appearance, we initially diagnosed her as having pemphigus erythematosus. However, the results of a histopathological examination and a direct immunofluorescence study did not support the initial diagnosis. Additionally, anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies were all negative. Subsequently, a microscopic examination of scales revealed filaments of fungi and a fungal culture was negative for macroconidium. Using molecular biology techniques, we identified the fungus as Microsporum canis, which causes a zoonotic infection. The immune reaction to the fungi could be drastic and therefore, the eruption sometimes displays atypical clinical manifestations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Amano
authors.forename: Chikako
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kishi
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: Kazushi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anzawa
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mochizuki
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
keywords: Microsporum canis infection; pemphigus erythematosus; polymerase chain-reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism