What is the difference between Chromoblastomycosis and Phaeohyphomycosis?
Introduction: Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by melanin-producing fungi i.e. dematiaceous fungi. They are sometimes indistinguishable from a condition called Chromoblastomycosis, commonly seen in tropical countries.
Is there a cure for Chromoblastomycosis?
In patients with early and small lesions, the aim of treatment is a complete cure. However, in the case of extensive lesions even long-term treatment may not be successful and may only result in reduction and control of the disease to prevent complications. Bonifaz et al.
What is the type of lesions mostly seen in Chromoblastomycosis?
Chromoblastomycosis lesions are polymorphous: verrucous, nodular, tumoral, plaque-like, and atrophic. It is an occupational disease that predominates in tropical and subtropical regions, but there have been several reports of cases in temperate regions.
What causes Phaeohyphomycosis?
Phaeohyphomycosis can be caused by many species of dark, melanin-pigmented dematiaceous fungi including Bipolaris, Cladophialophora, Cladosporium, Exophiala, Fonsecaea, Phialophora, Ochronosis, Rhinocladiella, and Wangiella.
What is subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis?
Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare mycotic infection caused by various heterogenous groups of phaeoid (dematiaceous) fungi involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Common clinical manifestations are subcutaneous abscesses or cystic swellings.
Where is Chromoblastomycosis found?
Chromoblastomycosis occurs around the world, most commonly in rural areas in tropical or subtropical climates. It is most common in rural areas between approximately 30°N and 30°S latitude. Madagascar and Japan have the highest incidence. Over two-thirds of patients are male, and usually between the ages of 30 and 50.
What are the characteristics of Aspergillus?
The following are some of the morphological characteristics of Aspergillus Fumigatus:
- They produce spores of between 200 and 400 mm.
- The color of the stipes is gray around the apex.
- They have a smooth surface.
- They have a small, columnous globuse.
- The surface of the conidia is either smooth or spinose.