Korean J Dermatol.  2006 May;44(5):648-651.

A Case of Cutaneous Protothecosis

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. absolutua@freechal.com

Abstract

Protothecosis is an unusual human infection caused by the achlorophyllic algae Prototheca, and most commonly by Prototheca wickerhamii. A 65-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of a painful, erythematous, non-healing, ulcerative plaque on the extensor surface of his left forearm. He was previously diagnosed with diabetes and iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. A skin biopsy specimen revealed characteristic morula-like sporangia in the dermis by PAS positive staining. Prototheca wickerhamii was identified by culture and biochemical studies. Initially, itraconazole was administered for 8 weeks, followed by fluconazole, and the patient's condition was greatly improved.

Keyword

Protothecosis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Biopsy
Cushing Syndrome
Dermis
Fluconazole
Forearm
Humans
Itraconazole
Prototheca
Skin
Sporangia
Ulcer
Fluconazole
Itraconazole
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