Exophiala jeanselmei causing subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a healthy adult in Sri Lanka: A case report

Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic infection caused by filamentous dematiaceous fungi and it embraces a wide range of clinical presentations. Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is caused by traumatic implantation of aetiological fungi in subcutaneous tissue and is usually reported in agricultural workers in the tropics. Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis presents with various skin manifestations and is often misdiagnosed by clinicians. Exophiala sp is a common aetiological agent of post traumatic subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. We present a middle aged farmer who presented with a subcutaneous nodule in his dominant hand. This swelling was initially diagnosed as a ganglion but turned out to be an abscess caused by Exophiala jeanselmei and the patient was cured by complete surgical excision without antifungal therapy. This case report aims to contribute to knowledge on this uncommon entity, in order to help practitioners to correctly diagnose and treat subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. </p

Fusariosis in haematological malignancy – the skin is the clue… Experiences from the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka: a case report

We present two patients with haematological malignancies who developed skin lesions while neutropaenic and were subsequently diagnosed as having fusariosis. Although fusariosis is not as common as other fungal infections such as aspergillosis and candidiasis, it has to be considered in the diagnosis of immunocompromised patients who present with skin manifestations. Awareness of fusariosis, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential to reduce mortality. </p