A Case of Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Exophiala xenobiotica in an Immunocompromised Host

Abstract

Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare subcutaneous fungal infection caused by melanin-containing brown-pigmented fungi. It typically occurs after skin injury in immunocompromised individuals. Herein, we report a case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala xenobiotica in an immunocompromised elderly Japanese female. A subcutaneous mass on her left lower leg was totally removed but reappeared two months later. The subcutaneous mass resolved with additional seven months of 200 mg/day of oral itraconazole treatment. E. xenobiotica was identified as a new black yeast species in 2006. Genetic identification of the species was useful for identify the etiologic agent and choice of antifungal drugs.