Co-existence of cutaneous alternariosis and tinea corporis in a renal transplant recipient

Abstract

Alternariosis, caused by Alternaria spp., is a rare opportunistic infection often observed in immunocompromised patients. Alternaria is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus that naturally is found on decaying plant materials. In this paper, a case of cutaneous alternariosis in association with tinea corporis is reported. The complicated infection was confirmed by histological examination and positive tissue culture. Although the cases of alternariosis in solid organ transplant recipients or Cushing's syndrome have been described elsewhere, this is the first report in a patient who had received two renal transplants who was co-infected with Alternaria spp. and Trichophyton rubrum.

Keywords:

• cutaneous alternariosis
• renal transplant
• tinea corporis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This paper was first published online on Early Online on 10 December 2010.