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Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum and Phaeoacremonium indicum sp. nov. associated with subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis

Summary

Researchers identified and described two rare fungal infections caused by Phaeoacremonium species in human patients. One case involved a previously unknown fungal species in humans called Phaeoacremonium indicum, discovered in an Indian transplant patient with a knee infection. Both cases were successfully treated with surgery, with one patient also receiving antifungal medication, demonstrating effective treatment approaches for these unusual infections.

Background

Phaeoacremonium is a fungal genus primarily known for causing diseases in trees and vines, but several species have been identified in human infections. Phaeohyphomycotic infections are typically caused by traumatic inoculation and often occur in immunocompromised patients.

Objective

To identify and characterize fungal isolates from two cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis using morphological, cultural, and phylogenetic analysis based on actin and β-tubulin gene sequences.

Results

One isolate was identified as Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum, not previously reported in human infections. The second isolate represented a new species, designated Phaeoacremonium indicum, characterized by slow growth on MEA and sepia-colored colonies on oatmeal agar.

Conclusion

Two cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis were successfully treated with surgical excision, with or without itraconazole therapy. The identification of P. tuscanicum in human infection and the description of a new species expand knowledge of Phaeoacremonium in clinical mycology.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 38558841, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2312917
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