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Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:921.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Protothecosis.

MICROSCOPIC AND LABORATORY FINDINGS

The hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections revealed a prominent necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in the dermis, with numerous spherical capsulated organisms with pale-pink outlines and clear spaces representing endospores within multinucleated giant cells. Special stains, including methenamine-silver and periodic acid–Schiff, showed structures that were consistent with Prototheca organisms. Fite stains were negative for acid-fast bacilli, and a gram stain was negative for bacteria.

The diagnosis was confirmed by culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar, which yielded smooth, creamy, yeastlike colonies with a grouped arrangement. Spores and sporangia were observed forming a morulalike structure, typical of Prototheca.

DISCUSSION

Protothecosis is a rare infection that is caused by the achlorophyllic, saprophytic algae of the genus Prototheca. Three species have been identified (Prototheca wickerhamii, Prototheca zopfii, and Prototheca stagnora), but only the first 2 are known to be agents of disease in humans and animals.¹ Prototheca organisms, which are present mainly in sewage, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(7):921.
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