Chromoblastomycosis: A Neglected Occupational Disease

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic progressive cutaneous fungal infection caused by several naturally pigmented fungi which are commonly seen in tropical and subtropical climates. The infection is secondary to trauma or autoinoculation. A majority of the cases from India are reported from the sub-Himalayan belt and South India. Fungal diseases other than mycetoma are considered neglected diseases by the World Health Organization. The global burden of CBM could be even greater than mycetoma and can lead to potential incapacity for labor. Here, we present a case of cutaneous CBM from Kerala, India. A 57-year-old male farmer presented with a history of itching and warty growth over the posterior aspect of the right ankle. Histopathology revealed the occurrence of hyperkeratosis papillomatosis, acanthosis, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, and chronic granulomatous dermatitis with medlar bodies. The patient was managed with a combination of itraconazole and terbinafine for 6 months. After 6 months of follow-up, lesions showed significant improvement.
Source: Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research