title: Cutaneous protothecosis--case report.
abstract: Cutaneous protothecosis is a rare infection caused by achlorophyllic algae of the genus Prototheca. The lesions usually occur on exposed areas, related with trauma, in immunocompromised patients. The most common clinical presentation is a vesicobullous and ulcerative lesion with pustules and scabs, simulating bacterial, fungal or herpetic infections or eczema. The diagnosis is determined by agent identification through histopathology, culture and the carbohydrates assimilation test. The finding of morula-like spherules is characteristic of Prototheca sp. Its rarity and non-specific clinical aspect may difficult the disease diagnosis. We report a case of a diabetic patient, in chronic use of systemic corticosteroids, that developed a skin lesion after trauma to the right leg.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Gaffree & Guinle University Hospital, Dermatology Section, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Pâmela Craveiro Gomes da
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Gaffree & Guinle University Hospital, Dermatology Section, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sabrina Beirão da
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Costa e Silva
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Gaffree & Guinle University Hospital, Dermatology Section, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Barbosa
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Gaffree & Guinle University Hospital, Dermatology Section, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antonio Macedo
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: D'Acri
authors.affiliation: University of Texas.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lupi
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
authors.forename: Carlos José
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Martins
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011525:Prototheca; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole