Subcutaneous hyalohyphomycosis due to Cephalotheca foveolata in an immunocompetent host

Abstract

We report the first case of subcutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by the genus Cephalotheca, which has not been reported to cause human infection. A 67-year-old immunocompetent farmer presented with a 10-year history of verrucous erythematous plaques on the right foot dorsum, great toe, heel and sole. Histopathology of the lesions revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with numerous nonpigmented fungal spores in the dermis. Cultures of biopsy specimens on Sabouraud's dextrose agar for 2 weeks developed into yellowish brown, velvety colonies that subsequently turned black after 8 weeks because of the production of black cleistothecia indicating the teleomorph. On the basis of mycological features, scanning electron microscopic morphology and molecular analysis data, a new species of Cephalotheca was identified and designated Cephalotheca foveolata. Because there was no response to the antifungal agents administered, the patient was successfully treated by surgical excision with skin graft.

Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Phialemonium and Lecythophora Isolates from Clinical Samples

“…In our study, the above-mentioned two Phialemonium species and two Lecythophora species were also the predominant species identified. However, it is noteworthy that 6 isolates were identified to be C. foveolata, which is a recently described species involved in a case of human infection (25). Although we could not confirm the role of any of these C. foveolata isolates as agents of infection, the number found might reflect the possible clinical relevance of this fungus.…”

EndophyticCephalotheca sulfureaAGH07 reprograms soybean to higher growth

“…Cephalotheca is a little known genus, which exhibits both anamorph (asexual reproduction) and teleomorph (sexual reproduction). Cephalotheca sulfurea living on wood and mushrooms is characterized by nonciliated cleistothecia, oval-shaped ascospores and it has not yet reported to cause human infections (Suh et al 2006). Gibberellins (GAs) are diterpenoid plant hormones, first detected in the 1920s from culture filtrates (CFs) of Gibberella fujikuroi, a known pathogen of rice plants (Ogas 2000).…”