Lidia Rudnicka1, Malgorzata Lukomska. 1. Department of Dermatology CSK MSW, Warsaw, Poland ; Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland ; Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that is affecting anagen hair follicles. The triggers of autoimmunity in patients with alopecia areata remain unknown. MAIN OBSERVATION: A 13-year-old boy developed multiple hairless patches of focal hair loss with typical clinical and trichoscopy features of alopecia areata. Mycology examination of the scalp hair and epidermal scrapings reveled massive growth of Alternaria chlamydospora. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that fungal antigens (e.g. antigens involved in fungal melanin synthesis) may be possible triggers, contributing to autoimmune reactions in patients with alopecia areata. We discuss research data, which may indirectly support this hypothesis, however the concept has yet to be verified.
BACKGROUND:Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that is affecting anagen hair follicles. The triggers of autoimmunity in patients with alopecia areata remain unknown. MAIN OBSERVATION: A 13-year-old boy developed multiple hairless patches of focal hair loss with typical clinical and trichoscopy features of alopecia areata. Mycology examination of the scalp hair and epidermal scrapings reveled massive growth of Alternaria chlamydospora. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that fungal antigens (e.g. antigens involved in fungal melanin synthesis) may be possible triggers, contributing to autoimmune reactions in patients with alopecia areata. We discuss research data, which may indirectly support this hypothesis, however the concept has yet to be verified.
Authors: S Redler; F Albert; F F Brockschmidt; C Herold; S Hanneken; S Eigelshoven; K A Giehl; R Kruse; G Lutz; H Wolff; B Blaumeiser; M Böhm; T Becker; M M Nöthen; R C Betz Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2012-11-20 Impact factor: 9.302