Diagnosis: Trichophyton verrucosum infection.
MICROSCOPIC AND LABORATORY FINDINGS AND CLINICAL COURSE
The appearance of the lesion and the patient's occupation raised suspicion for a dermatophyte infection. The presence of eosinophils on microscopic examination further heightened this concern. However, analysis using microscopic sections taken from deeper in the specimen and periodic acid–Schiff stain were unrevealing. Within just 2 weeks, the fungal culture demonstrated colony growth. The combined colony characteristics (velvety with a creamy white color) and abundant chlamydospores in chains on lactophenol cotton blue preparation were characteristic of T verrucosum. The patient was successfully treated with oral terbinafine (250 mg/d) for 2 weeks. Evaluation of his cattle by a veterinarian was recommended.
DISCUSSION
The first human infection with T verrucosum was reported more than 60 years ago.1 Usually cattle ranchers and dairy farmers are occupationally at greatest risk for this infection—the disease has even been referred to as barn itch.2-3 Occupations also reported in association with this problem include veterinarian and slaughterhouse . . . [Full Text of this Article]
