Abstract:

Objective Report of a case of fungal infection caused by Arthrinium phaeospermum and the relevant mycological study.Methods A-29-woman had suffered symmertrical infiltrative erythema for several years.Direct microscopy,culture,microculture,strain identification,drug susceptibility test in vitro,animal experiment were performed.Results While direct microscopy was negative,culture was positive and Arthrinium phaeospermum was identified.The typical characteristics of this isolate were observed with Medan staining,microculture and scanning electron microscopy.This isolate was resistant to itraconazole and fluconazole,but was susceptible to caspofungin,micafungin,posaconazole,ravuconazole,voriconazole and terbinafine.Animal experiment shows the very Arthrinium phaeospermum was able to cause disease.Conclusion This was a rare dermatomycosis caused by Arthrinium phaeospermum.Mycological examinations,drug susceptibility test in vitro,and animal experiment would have active guidance meaning and applied value for further cases.Abnormal immune status might be a risk factor for such cases.

Key words: Arthrinium phaeospermum, dermatomycoses, animal testing alternatives