Cutaneous infection with Alternaria alternata complicating immunosuppression: successful treatment with itraconazole

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 138; no. 2; pp. 354 - 356
• Main Authors: ACLAND, K. M, HAY, R. J, GROVES, R
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BSL Blackwell Science Ltd 01-02-1998; Blackwell
• Subjects: Aged; Alternaria - isolation & purification; Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatomycoses - drug therapy; Dermatomycoses - microbiology; Human mycoses; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infectious diseases; Itraconazole - therapeutic use; Kidney Transplantation; Leg Dermatoses - drug therapy; Leg Dermatoses - microbiology; Leg Ulcer - drug therapy; Leg Ulcer - microbiology; Male; Medical sciences; Mycoses; Mycoses of the skin; Treatment Outcome; Human; Opportunistic infection; Skin disease; Mycosis; Alternaria alternata; Fungi; Infection; Case study; Immunosuppression; Skin; Fungi Imperfecti; Elderly; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02091.x

We report an immunosuppressed patient who presented with unusual leg ulceration caused by Alternaria alternata infection. Alternaria is a common saprophyte that is not usually pathogenic in humans. However, infections have previously been documented. Most cases occur in immunocompromised patients and the skin manifestations may vary considerably. The diagnosis is often missed initially as it is not frequently suspected. The treatment is controversial both in choice of agent used and in duration of therapy.