IgE-mediated sensitivity to Trichophyton rubrum in a patient with chronic dermatophytosis and Cushing's syndrome

Abstract

Persistent Trichophyton rubrum infection has been observed previously in association with Cushing's syndrome. In this article, we demonstrate IgE-mediated sensitivity to Trichophyton in a patient with chronic dermatophytosis secondary to Cushing's syndrome. Cell-mediated immunity was absent, but Trichophyton extract produced an immediate skin response and also stimulated a concentration-dependent histamine release from basophils of the patient. After adrenalectomy, cell-mediated immunity to Trichophyton was restored, and infection was confined to the nails. Skin and leukocyte sensitivity to Trichophyton extract persisted and was even more pronounced than the sensitivity before adrenalectomy. RAST measurement confirmed the presence of Trichophyton-specific IgE after adrenalectomy. These results provide further evidence that IgE-mediated inflammatory events may be initiated by Trichophyton infection.