Rev Iberoam Micol 2008; 25:45-49.

Non-dermatophytic moulds: onychomychosis in four patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Kedma de Magalhães Lima1,5, Célia Maria Machado Barbosa de Castro1, Idalina Inês Fonsêca Nogueira Cambuim2, Jeferson Carvalhaes de Oliveira3, Marília Delgado4 & Rossana Sette de Melo Rego5

1Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil;
2Departamento de Biología de los Hongos, Universidad Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil,
3Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;
4Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Correia Picanço, Recife, PE, Brasil;
5Servicio de Micología, NKB-Medicina Diagnóstica, Recife, PE, Brasil

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a risk group for onychomycosis, fungal infections caused mainly by dermatophytes and yeast. However, non-dermatohytic moulds are becoming common agents for nail infections in this population of patients. We report four cases of onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophytic moulds (Aspergillus niger, Scytalidium hyalinum, Scytalidium dimidiatum and Fusarium solani) in patients infected with HIV from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Onychomicosis by non-dermatophytic species in HIV-positive patients requires special attention in the clinical and the laboratory. A proper diagnosis is necessary to establish the specific and adequate treatment, preventing fungal invasion.



2008@Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. All rights reserved.