Colletotrichum species as emerging opportunistic fungal pathogens: a report of 3 cases of phaeohyphomycosis and review.

Abstract

Numerous etiologic agents of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis have been reported. Colletotrichum spp, common plant pathogens, have been reported as a cause of ocular keratomycosis, but only one previous case of cutaneous disease (hyalohyphomycosis) has been attributed to this genus. Our purpose was to describe 3 cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Colletotrichum spp occurring in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Three cases of Colletotrichum-induced phaeohyphomycosis are reviewed. The clinical and histologic features of this infection are presented, the antifungal susceptibilities are reported, and treatment options are discussed. We describe the first report in which C coccodes and C gloeosporioides are implicated as etiologic agents of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. Despite treatment, one patient died after the onset of visceral fungal disease. Colletotrichum spp may cause life-threatening phaeohyphomycosis in immunosuppressed patients. Prompt recognition and intervention with surgical and antifungal treatment may result in decreased morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.