Muñoz-Estrada VF, Mayorga-Rodríguez JA, Navarro-Hernández CA

Language: English
References: 14
Page: 13-16
PDF size: 294.23 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Protothecosis is an infrequent infection in dogs, cats, cattle, and humans caused by a type of green algae known as Prototheca. Its incidence increases in immunosuppressed hosts and it’s considered an emergent disease in such patients. Material and methods: This is a retrospective review of immunosuppressed patients with protothecosis seen at a single academic center in Mexico between 2010-2014. Their epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic features are discussed. The diagnosis of protothecosis was established by mycologic culture and/or skin biopsy. Results: There were 14 patients. All of them were immunosuppressed. The majority (65%) were male. Average age was 48.8 years. The most frequent cause of immunosuppression was immunosuppressive drugs associated with renal transplantation (35.7%). The most frequent clinical presentation was subcutaneous nodules (64.2%). Diagnosis was established by mycologic culture (100% of patients) and skin biopsy (64%). All 14 patients were treated with itraconazole 200-400 mg PO QD for 8-12 weeks. Eight patients (57.1%) were completely cured. Conclusions: Herein, we report the largest series of patients with cutaneous protothecosis in immunosuppressed patients. Prognosis seems to be related to underlying pathology. Oral itraconazole is a relatively effective and available treatment option.

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