Open AccessMicrosporum canis infection mimics pemphigus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Hodaka Amano,
Chikako Kishi,
Yoko Yokoyama,
Akira Shimizu,
Kazushi Anzawa,
Takashi Mochizuki,
Osamu Ishikawa
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
indian journal of dermatology/indian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.395
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1998-3611
pISSN - 0019-5154
DOI - 10.4103/0019-5154.110866
Subject(s) - microsporum canis , medicine , erythema , dermatology , pemphigus , canis , antibody , pathology , immunology , biology , antifungal , paleontology
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