Zygomycosis of the scalp caused by Rhizopus oryzae presenting as kerion in an immunocompetent child

Abstract

Deep mycosis of the scalp caused by Rhizopus oryzae mimicking kerion is rare. Herein, we report a case of such infection in a 5-year-old immunocompetent boy who presented with multiple painful boggy swellings with discharging sinuses on the scalp of 4 months' duration. Purulent discharge from the swelling cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar yielded R. oryzae species which was confirmed by molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction. The child was managed with parenteral liposomal amphotericin-B which helped in clearance of infection.

Keywords

• Amphotericin-B
• kerion
• polymerase chain reaction
• Rhizopus oryzae
• Sabouraud's dextrose agar