Basidiobolus and Cercospora from Human Infections

SUMMARY

Two cases of subcutaneous infection in children in Indonesia in which fungus hyphae of wide dimensions and with few septa were observed have been reported. From one of these patients 65 colonies of Basidiobolus ranarum were isolated. The second patient had almost recovered from the infection before a mycological study was made and no fungus was isolated. The lesions were extensive and persisted 9 months in one case and 4 years in the other. Although no specific therapy was used the patients recovered.

From a third Indonesian patient with cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions involving most of the face, ears and nasal mucosa, 150 colonies of Cercospora apii were isolated. In sections of the skin the fungus is easily observed in the form of brown hyphae with frequent septation. The infection has persisted for many years and attempts at specific therapy have failed.

Leaf spots were produced experimentally on lettuce, potato and tomato with the strain of C. apii isolated from the patient. Persistent and progressive lesions have not been produced in attempted experimental infections of animals with either Basidiobolus ranarum or Cercospora apii.