Primary cutaneous infection due to Microascus cirrosus: a case report

Lujuan Gao,Junjun Chen,Di Gao,Ming Li

doi:10.1186/s12879-018-3535-5

Abstract

BackgroundMicroascus cirrosus, the teleomorph of Scopulariopsis spp., is a saprobic species with a worldwide distribution and rarely causes human infection. In the present paper, we present the first case of primary cutaneous M. cirrosus infection in a Chinese female.Case presentationA 17-year-old female presented with tender ulceration on her left ankle for three months. Histology revealed multiple branching, septate hyphae and moniliform fungal elements in the dermis. Tissue culture grew M. cirrosus, the teleomorph of Scopulariopsis spp., characterized by intercalary and ballooned, chlamydospore-like structures, annellidic and ampulliform conidiogenous cells along with truncated, bullet-shaped, smooth conidia and globose perithecial ascomata with cylindrical necks. Further molecular sequencing confirmed the identification. A diagnosis of primary cutaneous infection due to M. cirrosus was made. Treatment with itraconazole 200 mg per day for 10 weeks achieved significant improvement of the skin lesions.ConclusionsThis case of uncommon mycotic cutaneous infection highlights the importance of mycological examination that help to recognize rare pathogenic fungi.

Highlights

Microascus cirrosus, the teleomorph of Scopulariopsis spp., is a saprobic species with a worldwide distribution and rarely causes human infection
This case of uncommon mycotic cutaneous infection highlights the importance of mycological examination that help to recognize rare pathogenic fungi
The genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis comprise species that commonly isolated from soil, air, decaying plant material, dung and moist indoor environments [1]

Summary

Introduction

Microascus cirrosus, the teleomorph of Scopulariopsis spp., is a saprobic species with a worldwide distribution and rarely causes human infection. Conclusions: This case of uncommon mycotic cutaneous infection highlights the importance of mycological examination that help to recognize rare pathogenic fungi. Among the genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis, M. cirrosus is an uncommon opportunistic fungi, which has been reported to cause superficial infections of toe nail, and systemic infection [2,3,4,5].

Results

Conclusion