Onychomycosis by Scytalidium dimidiatum in green tea leaf pluckers: report of two cases

Mycopathologia. 2007 Oct;164(4):193-5. doi: 10.1007/s11046-007-9024-9. Epub 2007 Jul 20.

Abstract

Two cases of onychomycosis in green tea leaf pluckers caused by Scytalidium dimidiatum, a dematiaceous non-dermatophytic mold has been described. Onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium dimidiatum is clinically indistinguishable from that caused by dermatophytes and responds poorly to antifungals. The clinical presentations in the cases were of distal subungual type with associated melanonychia involving thumbnails. These cases have unique importance, because besides disfigurement, this has adversely affected the livelihood of the patient and poor response to antifungal dissuaded them from treatment compliance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium dimidiatum in green tea leaf pluckers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Hand Dermatoses / microbiology*
  • Hand Dermatoses / pathology
  • Humans
  • Mitosporic Fungi / isolation & purification*
  • Onychomycosis / microbiology*
  • Onychomycosis / pathology
  • Plant Leaves
  • Tea

Substances

  • Tea