Amano Hiroo, Kishi Chikako, Yokoyama Yoko, Shimizu Akira, Anzawa Kazushi, Mochizuki Takashi, Ishikawa Osamu
Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
Indian J Dermatol. 2013 May;58(3):243. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.110866.
We report a 55-year-old Japanese woman with a two-month history of multiple pruritic erythema and erosion on her face and neck. Based on the clinical appearance, we initially diagnosed her as having pemphigus erythematosus. However, the results of a histopathological examination and a direct immunofluorescence study did not support the initial diagnosis. Additionally, anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies were all negative. Subsequently, a microscopic examination of scales revealed filaments of fungi and a fungal culture was negative for macroconidium. Using molecular biology techniques, we identified the fungus as Microsporum canis, which causes a zoonotic infection. The immune reaction to the fungi could be drastic and therefore, the eruption sometimes displays atypical clinical manifestations.
