Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Curvularia clavata: The First Case Report in China

Objective To report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Curvularia clavata in China. Methods The skin specimen was collected, and examined by KOH preparation, fungus culture and histopathology. Results A 17-year-old male farmer had dull red, warty and well-defined plaques with some ulceration on his face and his left upper arm for nine years and a history of trauma of his face before the appearance of the lesions. General examination did not reveal abnormal findings except the skin lesions. KOH direct examination showed septate hyphae with irregular branches. On the culture medium the colonies were black in color. Under microscope the conidia were borne singly or in groups at the tip or at the sides of the conidiophores, they were light brown to brown, smooth, straight or slightly curved and clavate, measuring 15 ~ 30 μm long and 6 ~ 12 μm thick, with 3 ~ 4 septates. Histopathology showed a granulomatous response. PAS staining showed irregularly swollen or toruloid conidia with branched hyphae. The isolated strain was identified as Curvularia clavata Jain. Conclusion It is the first case report of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Curvularia clavata in China.