Eumycetoma of the foot caused by Exophiala jeanselmei in a Guinean woman

J Mycol Med. 2013 Sep;23(3):168-75. doi: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2013.05.002. Epub 2013 Jul 17.

Abstract

Eumycetomas are chronic infectious entities characterized by presence of mycotic grains in (sub-)cutaneous tissues, after accidental inoculation of an exogenous filamentous fungus in the skin. The lesions evolve towards painless pseudotumor of the soft parts. We report the original case of a Guinean woman exhibiting eumycetoma of the right foot. Both laboratory tests identified a dematiaceous fungus, Exophiala jeanselmei, as the responsible infectious agent. A medical treatment with voriconazole alone was sufficient to notice a substantial clinical improvement. This finding is unusual as E. jeanselmei is uncommon in Guinea-Conakry, and as optimal treatment rather associate antifungal azoles and surgical excision.

Keywords: Champignon dématié; Dematiaceous fungus; Eumycetomas; Eumycétomes; Exophiala jeanselmei; Exérèse chirurgicale; Grains fongique; Mycotic grains; Surgical excision; Voriconazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exophiala / isolation & purification
  • Exophiala / physiology*
  • Female
  • Foot Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Foot Diseases / microbiology*
  • Guinea
  • Humans
  • Mycetoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Mycetoma / microbiology*
  • Ultrasonography