Differential distribution patterns of Fonsecaea agents of chromoblastomycosis, exemplified by the first case due to F. monophora from Argentina

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a mutilating infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by melanized fungi belonging to the order Chaetothyriales. Proven cases of the main agent, Fonsecaea pedrosoi are mainly limited to (sub)tropical, humid climates of Latin and Central America and the Caribbean. Fonsecaea monophora has a global distribution along the equator. Cases outside the (sub)tropics have thus far mostly been considered to have been imported, but here we report the first endemic case by F. monophora from Argentina. Patient was a 82-year-old rural female worker from Corrientes, a province with a dry continental climate. Keywords: Dematiaceous fungi, Chromoblastomycosis, Fonsecaea monophora, South America, Argentina