Onychomycosis due to Rhizomucor in psoriatic patient with HIV infection

Abstract

Onychomycosis is frequently seen in dermatological clinical practice worldwide. The causative agents are usually two pathogenic groups of fungi namely, dermatophytes and yeasts of the genus Candida. In some cases, non-dermatophytic molds belonging to different genera and species may be the etiological agents. We report an unusual case of onychomycosis in an HIV-positive psoriatic patient caused by Rhizomucor pusillus, which has not been mentioned in the literature before. Our finding underline the fact that fungal species appearing as contaminants should be evaluated by proper clinical-mycological correlation to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords

• HIV-positive psoriatic patient
• onychomycosis
• Rhizomucor pusillus