A rare cause of soft tissue infections: Pseudallescheria boydii

Abstract

Pseudallescheria boydii, a rare cause of infection in humans, are saprofitic microorganisms which are found in soil. In this report, we describe a renal transplant patient who had a skin-soft tissue infection at the anterior side of her left tibia due to P. boydii. Tissue biopsy was taken from her tibial lesion. Pathologic examination revealed hyphae plus fungal spores and mycological cultures were positive for P. boydii. The fungus was also identified by molecular methods. Fluconazole and topical isoconazole nitrate were given to the patient until the antifungal susceptibility results were seen. Fluconazole was changed to itraconazole via susceptibility results. Clinical response was seen at the 1 month control. Because of limited data regarding the optimal antifungal drug choice and duration of treatment for P. boydii infections, the proper identification of pathogen and antifungal susceptibility tests have vital importance. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2015;5(4): 176-179 Key words: Pseudallescheria boydii, renal transplant, soft tissue infection