First Report of Tritirachium oryzae Infection of Human Scalp

• DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9253-1
• Publication Date: 2009-11-14T09:32:45Z
• Authors: R. N. R. Moraes; M. C. T. Ribeiro; M. C. L. Nogueira; K. C. Cunha; M. M. C. N. Soares; M. T. G. Almeida
• Keywords: Dermatomycosis; Medical microbiology; Fungal pathogen

The natural habitat of Tritirachium oryzae is soil and decaying plant material. It is also an insect pathogen. As a human pathogen, it has been reported as a cause of corneal ulcers and otomycosis. The case of a 4-year-old infant is reported with Tritirachium oryzae infection of the scalp. Diagnosis was established by direct mycological study and culture that showed Tritirachium oryzae as the only agent in a pure culture. The topical treatment involved an antifungal medication to a complete cure. We report the first case of scalp dermatomycosis due to Tritirachium oryzae infection, illustrating a novel clinical manifestation.