Cutaneous Alternariosis Caused by Alternaria infectoria: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Recipient and Literature Review

Cutaneous infections caused by dematiaceous fungi are rare in the general population but are increasingly recognized in solid organ transplant recipients as a consequence of prolonged immunosuppression. When Alternaria species are confirmed as the causative agents of a skin infection, the condition is referred to as alternariosis. These infections may clinically resemble bacterial or neoplastic lesions and require accurate diagnosis and individualized therapy. We report one case of cutaneous alternariosis in a kidney transplant recipient receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The patient was a 47-year-old woman who sustained minor trauma to her knee three months after transplantation. She developed an ulcerated, crusted lesion, which coincided with severe neutropenia. Histology, culture and molecular identification confirmed <i>A. infectoria</i>. Treatment included systemic azole therapy (voriconazole followed by isavuconazole) and surgical excision, resulting in resolution without recurrence. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of alternariosis in transplant recipients. Successful management typically requires combined surgical and systemic antifungal therapy, with careful monitoring of drug interactions and immunosuppressive levels to prevent toxicity or rejection.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Fungi
Published
2025-12-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010032
Primary Topic
Fungal Infections and Studies
Type
article
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article

Cutaneous Alternariosis Caused by Alternaria infectoria: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Recipient and Literature Review

Elisabetta Margiotta, Giuseppe Lanotte, Valentina Portalupi, C. Cavanna et al.
Journal of Fungi
Fungal Infections and Studies
article

Cutaneous Alternariosis Caused by Alternaria infectoria: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Recipient and Literature Review

Elisabetta Margiotta, Giuseppe Lanotte, Valentina Portalupi, C. Cavanna, Elena Seminari, Teresa Rampino, Grazia Soccio, Maria Carmela Esposto, Eleonora Francesca Pattonieri, Tefik Islami, Angela Maria Di Matteo, Emma Diletta Stea, Maria Antonietta Grignano, Palma Minutillo, Alessandro Tragni, Camilla Vassallo, Andreana De Mauri, Marilena Gregorini
article en

Abstract

Cutaneous infections caused by dematiaceous fungi are rare in the general population but are increasingly recognized in solid organ transplant recipients as a consequence of prolonged immunosuppression. When Alternaria species are confirmed as the causative agents of a skin infection, the condition is referred to as alternariosis. These infections may clinically resemble bacterial or neoplastic lesions and require accurate diagnosis and individualized therapy. We report one case of cutaneous alternariosis in a kidney transplant recipient receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The patient was a 47-year-old woman who sustained minor trauma to her knee three months after transplantation. She developed an ulcerated, crusted lesion, which coincided with severe neutropenia. Histology, culture and molecular identification confirmed <i>A. infectoria</i>. Treatment included systemic azole therapy (voriconazole followed by isavuconazole) and surgical excision, resulting in resolution without recurrence. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of alternariosis in transplant recipients. Successful management typically requires combined surgical and systemic antifungal therapy, with careful monitoring of drug interactions and immunosuppressive levels to prevent toxicity or rejection.

Journal of FungiVol. 12(1)
University of Milan (IT), University of Pavia (IT), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 29%
Fungal Infections and Studies
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