Kerion of the pubis.

PURPOSE

Kerion of the pubis is a deep dermatophyte infection with systemic symptoms, rarely affecting the genital area. We present three new cases of kerion of the pubis secondary to Microsporum canis infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Direct examination with potassium hydroxide solution showed hyaline septate hyphae and chains of arthroconidia around the hair shaft. Microsporum canis was isolated in culture in all of the cases, with yellow to orange colonies on Sabouraud agar. Identification by mass spectrometry was made using MALDI-TOF. Patients were treated with griseofulvin.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should have a high index of clinical suspicion for deep fungal infection when patients present with suppurative infections or folliculitis-like lesions on the mons pubis area.