BACKGROUND: Four patients with chromoblastomycosis are presented. An additional 30 infected Indian patients are reviewed. RESULTS: These 34 patients ranged in age from 12 to 80 years with a male to female ratio of 5.8 : 1. Onset before the age of 20 years was seen in 24% of cases which was comparatively high. Culture was positive in 72% of cases and sclerotic bodies were observed in 84% of cases. A relatively higher prevalence (15%) of Fonsecaea compacta was observed. Unusual cutaneous sites afflicted were the penile shaft, vulva, and ala of the nose, and unusual extracutaneous spread was seen in the pleural cavity, ileocecal region, laryngotracheal area, and tonsils. Extracutaneous involvement was seen in 24% of cases. Overlapping infection with another fungus, Geotrichum candidum, was seen in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with two azoles was attempted with some success for clinical cure.
BACKGROUND: Four patients with chromoblastomycosis are presented. An additional 30 infected Indian patients are reviewed. RESULTS: These 34 patients ranged in age from 12 to 80 years with a male to female ratio of 5.8 : 1. Onset before the age of 20 years was seen in 24% of cases which was comparatively high. Culture was positive in 72% of cases and sclerotic bodies were observed in 84% of cases. A relatively higher prevalence (15%) of Fonsecaea compacta was observed. Unusual cutaneous sites afflicted were the penile shaft, vulva, and ala of the nose, and unusual extracutaneous spread was seen in the pleural cavity, ileocecal region, laryngotracheal area, and tonsils. Extracutaneous involvement was seen in 24% of cases. Overlapping infection with another fungus, Geotrichum candidum, was seen in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with two azoles was attempted with some success for clinical cure.