Candida albicans septicemia with folliculitis in heroin addicts

Review and Management of Acneiform Eruptions in Patients with Immune Disorders

Immune disorders are associated with acne or acneiform lesions secondary to the occurrence of acne vulgaris or acneiform eruptions arising as a result of immunosuppressive medication or infection. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of acne and acneiform eruptions that can arise in the immunosuppressed host. Tips for differentiating between various acneiform entities are discussed, as well as a brief overview of treatment considerations.

Clinicopathologic presentations of dermatomycoses in cancer patients

Many of the skin fungal infections in cancer patients may look similar to those infections in non-cancer patients. However, in some cases, they become more extensive and even life threatening. Prolonged and severe neutropenia is the main risk factor for the dramatic issue of fungal infections. The dermatomycoses in cancer patients can be classified in four broad groups: primary superficial dermatophytoses, primary superficial yeast infections, opportunistic mold infections with distinct potential for dissemination and secondary cutaneous manifestations of fungaemia. Occasionally, more than one fungus are found inside a given skin lesion. A special condition is represented by the mycotic colonization of mucosal squamous cell carcinomas. Angio-invasion by fungi accounts for the frequency of disseminated infections prevailing in immunocompromised cancer patients. In case of skin involvement, the dermatologist may assist by recognizing subtle semiological signs and performing biopsies for swift histological examination, molecular biology and/or culture.

Cutaneous manifestations in systemic trichosporonosis

Trichosporonosis due to Trichosporon beigelii is increasingly recognized in neutropenic immunocompromised patients. We report the clinical and histological presentation of three cases, as well as a study of the prevalence of T. beigelii colonization of normal-looking skin in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for cancer.

Growth of Candida albicans on the stratum corneum of diabetic and non-diabetic patients

We have used a novel approach to in vitro culture of Candida albicans on cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings. It appears that with this model yeasts and hyphae grew on large surfaces of stratum corneum. The area of extension of the fungal growth was larger on stratum corneum taken from diabetic than from non-diabetic volunteers.

Opportunistic fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts

Fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts cause major morbidity and mortality. The Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common causes, but many rarer organisms, once considered "contaminants," are being reported. The number of patients who receive immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of malignancy or for organ transplantation is increasing as well as the potential for local or disseminated fungal infections. The diagnosis of these infections is often difficult and the existing methods for treatment are often ineffective. A high degree of suspicion to identify fungal infections and to prompt initiation of treatment must be maintained if the survival rate of these patients is expected to improve.