Disease: Phaeohyphomycosis

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

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Researchers identified two cases of rare fungal skin infections caused by Phaeoacremonium species. One case involved a new fungal species named Phaeoacremonium indicum discovered in an Indian patient, while the second case from Australia represented the first documented human infection with P. tuscanicum. Both patients were successfully treated through surgical removal of the infected tissue, though one patient was immunocompromised from a kidney transplant. This study highlights how genetic testing helps identify rare fungal species that cause human infections.

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Pathogenic characterization of Phialophora submersa, a new black yeast isolated from freshwater sediments in Spain

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Scientists discovered a new black yeast fungus called Phialophora submersa in Spanish river sediments and tested whether it could infect humans. Using laboratory macrophage (immune cell) models, they found that this environmental fungus exhibits pathogenic potential similar to known disease-causing Phialophora species, though at intermediate levels. The fungus showed resistance to some antifungal drugs and displayed strain-dependent ability to survive various stress conditions. This research suggests that environmental fungal species may pose unexpected health risks despite not being able to grow at normal human body temperature.

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Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

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An 8-year-old dog receiving long-term immunosuppressive medication for brain inflammation developed rare fungal skin infections caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. Diagnosis required multiple tests including tissue samples, staining techniques, and genetic testing. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and careful adjustment of immunosuppressive drugs, the infections did not improve, highlighting the difficult balance between fighting infections and controlling the underlying immune disease.

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Phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna chromolaenae in a cardiac transplant patient

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A 71-year-old heart transplant patient developed a slowly growing bump on his finger caused by a rare fungus called Nigrograna chromolaenae. Doctors initially tried common antifungal medications that didn’t work well, but the patient improved significantly when switched to posaconazole treatment. This is the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying fungi to choose the right treatment.

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A Novel Phaeoacremonium Species Isolated from Galls on the Chinese Magnolia-Vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered a new fungal species living inside galls (abnormal growths) on Chinese magnolia-vine plants. The fungus, named Phaeoacremonium schisandrae, was found inside larvae of gall-midges using genetic testing and microscopy. This discovery brings the total number of known Phaeoacremonium species to 73 and marks the first time this fungus has been found associated with gall-midge insects, expanding our understanding of fungal diversity in Korea.

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Deep cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora boppii: A case report

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A 69-year-old woman with breast cancer developed a skin infection caused by a rare fungus called Cladophialophora boppii while taking dexamethasone for cancer treatment. Doctors diagnosed the infection through skin biopsy and fungal testing, then removed the infected area surgically. After three weeks of antifungal medication (itraconazole), the infection cleared completely and did not return during four months of follow-up. This case suggests that surgery combined with short-term antifungal treatment may be sufficient for this type of infection.

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The Brief Case: Cutaneous ulceration associated with acalabrutinib treatment

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A 72-year-old patient being treated with acalabrutinib for blood cancer developed a slowly growing skin ulcer on the thigh. Testing identified a fungal infection caused by Alternaria alternata, a mold found in soil and air. The patient was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called posaconazole, with the ulcer healing over one month. This case highlights that doctors should check for fungal infections in chronic skin wounds of patients taking BTK inhibitor medications.

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