Combination therapy with itraconazole and terbinafine for phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala spinifera: A case report and literature review

Mycoses. 2023 Nov;66(11):1012-1017. doi: 10.1111/myc.13642. Epub 2023 Aug 8.

Abstract

Exophiala spinifera is a rare dematiaceous fungus causing cutaneous, subcutaneous and disseminated phaeohyphomycosis (PHM). Standard antifungal therapy for PHM is still uncertain. Here, we report a case of a Chinese male with PHM caused by E. spinifera, who received significant clinical improvement after the treatment with oral itraconazole and terbinafine. With the aim of evaluating the antifungal therapy for PHM caused by E. spinifera, a detailed review was performed.

Keywords: Exophiala spinifera; combination therapy; cutaneous fungal infection; phaeohyphomycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Exophiala*
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Phaeohyphomycosis* / diagnosis
  • Phaeohyphomycosis* / drug therapy
  • Phaeohyphomycosis* / microbiology
  • Terbinafine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Itraconazole
  • Terbinafine
  • Antifungal Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Exophiala spinifera