Chromoblastomycosis.
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.
Department of Mycology, Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. Head of Department: Paweł M. Krzyściak MD, PhD.
Paweł M
PM
Krzyściak
Chair and Clinical Department of Internal Diseases, Dermatology and Allergology in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Head of Department: Prof. Barbara Rogala MD, PhD.
Małgorzata
M
Pindycka-Piaszczyńska
Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Head of Department: Prof. Lech Cierpka MD, PhD.
Michał
M
Piaszczyński
Fonsecaea pedrosoi; diagnosis; epidemiology; mycoses; treatment