A Case of Cutaneous Protothecosis Mimics Eczema

Abstract

We report a case of cutaneous protothecosis due to Prototheca wickerhamii in an immunocompetent man presented with a specific eczema-like lesions. Dermatological examination revealed erythematous plaques, dark red papules with some coalescence, and a few superficial ulcerations, covered with less scales on his right side chest and neck. Fungal culture, histopathological examination and molecular identification confirmed the organism. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed strain sensitive to amphotericin B, Fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole. The patient was cured by oral itraconazole capsules and topical cream ketoconazole 2%.

Clinicopathological features and course of cutaneous protothecosis

“…Human protothecosis is quite uncommon; less than two hundred cases have been reported to date . To our knowledge, this study is the largest case series .…”

Protothecal bursitis after simultaneous kidney/liver transplantation: a case report and review

“…Although numerous cases of Prototheca infection in immunocompetent hosts with or without a history of trauma have been reported , immunosuppression is increasingly recognized as a risk factor, as it has been reported in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) , diabetes mellitus , chronic steroid use , steroid and cyclosporine use for myasthenia gravis , belimumab and rituximab use for systemic lupus erythematous , chemotherapy for solid or hematologic malignancy , hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation , and infliximab therapy for graft‐versus‐host disease after HSCT . A case of breakthrough protothecosis during long‐term voriconazole therapy for pulmonary aspergillosis after HSCT was also reported .…”

The foot microbiome

“…Cutaneous protothecosis is very rare skin infection caused by Prototheca wickerhamii‐achlorophyllic algae that is frequently found in natural and living surroundings . We reported cutaneous plantar protothecosis in an immunocompetent woman presented with skin lesions after feet treatment with exfoliating socks.…”