Chromoblastomycosis in India.

BACKGROUND

Chromoblastomycosis is reported for the first time from the states of Jammu-Kashmir and Bihar along with two additional cases from the states of Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The work carried cut on this disease in the Indian subcontinent is reviewed.

METHODS

Relevant mycologic investigations, including direct microscopy, histopathology, and culture, were carried out to study the four cases. Treatment was given to two patients.

RESULTS

The duration of the lesions varied from 5 to 32 years. In one case the lesion was a large erythematous plaque on the buttocks extending to the backs of the thighs, and in the others they were hypertrophic lesions on the extremities. Histopathologic study of specimens carried out in three patients revealed the causative organisms. On culture, Cladosporium carrionii was isolated in one and Fonsecaea species in the other three. The lesions in one patient were surgically excised and another patient responded well to a combined regimen of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine.

CONCLUSIONS

Although chromoblastomycosis is widely distributed in India, many patients remain undiagnosed due to a lack of proper facilities. Treatment is difficult and most patients are not able to afford the drugs prescribed for this condition.