First Confirmed Case of Madurella mycetomatis in Kuwait and a Review of Newer Diagnostic Techniques for Eumycetoma: A Case Report

Cutaneous Pseudomyiasis Associated with Psychoda sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report from Italy

Psychodid flies are non-parasitic insects commonly found in humid domestic environments, where larvae develop in organic matter within drains. Human pseudomyiasis caused by these flies is a rare and often neglected condition, typically involving urogenital or intestinal tracts. Most cases are reported in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while occurrences in Europe and Africa remain uncommon. This study reports the first documented pediatric cutaneous pseudomyiasis case associated with a psychodid larva in Italy. A 4-year-old girl presented with a small (0.5 cm) subcutaneous swelling on the right arm, showing dark discoloration and a protruding structure. No pruritus or systemic symptoms were observed. A partially removed larval specimen was analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches. Morphological analysis confirmed that the specimen was a dipteran larva; however, its degraded condition precluded reliable determination of the larval instar. Molecular characterization targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene assigned the specimen to the genus Psychoda (family Psychodidae). These findings are consistent with an incidental recovery of a psychodid larva and support an interpretation of pseudomyiasis rather than true myiasis. This case highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians and entomologists and a One Health approach in diagnosing unusual parasitological conditions.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS DUE TO FONSECAEA PEDROSOI IN SOUTH KERALA FOLLOWING A LEECH BITE: A CASE REPORT

Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection caused by melanized or brown-pigmented fungi, most commonly Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Purpose: This case report describes an unusual instance of chromoblastomycosis caused by F. pedrosoi in a woman from South Kerala with a preceding history of a leech bite, highlighting the importance of combining clinical examination, histopathology, fungal culture, and molecular sequencing for accurate diagnosis and effective management of this rare and chronic fungal infection. Case: A 54-year-old housewife presented with a 3 × 2 cm erythematous plaque on the dorsal aspect of left hand at the site of anatomical snuffbox. She reported a history of leech bite four years back at the same site. Dark pigmented colonies were isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Skin biopsy for histological analysis, revealed sclerotic bodies, and Sanger sequencing. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole for two months. Result: The diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis was confirmed through fungal culture, histopathological examination revealing sclerotic bodies, and Sanger sequencing identifying F. pedrosoi. The patient responded well to two months of oral itraconazole over two months, with no recurrence of lesions noted on follow-up. Conclusion: Accurate identification of chromoblastomycosis is crucial due to its resistance to treatment and varied clinical manifestations, which often lead to misdiagnosis. However, combining systemic antifungal therapy with physical and surgical modalities has been shown to improve outcomes such an atypical mode of transmission underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness, especially in endemic areas or among patients with unusual environmental exposures.

Epizoothological, clinical features and control measures of American foulbrood in the world (literature review)

The article summarizes and analyzes modern scientific data on the epizootological and clinical features of American foulbrood (AFB) of bees, the causative agent of which is the spore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. The historical aspects of the study of the disease, the biological properties of the pathogen, itʼs high resistance in the environment and the ability to maintain infectivity for a long time are highlighted. The ERIC I–V genotypes, their prevalence and differences in virulence are characterized. Based on WOAH (WAHIS) and ProMED data, the modern epizootic situation in the countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and America is analyzed, which indicates the global spread of the disease and its significant economic impact on the beekeeping industry. Typical clinical signs of AFB are described, in particular, variegation of brood, sunken cell lids, the presence of a viscous putrefactive mass and the formation of dense scales. Modern approaches to laboratory diagnostics are considered, including microscopic, bacteriological and molecular genetic methods with an emphasis on the high sensitivity of PCR for early detection of the pathogen. The main preventive measures are summarized, which include compliance with veterinary and sanitary standards, regular monitoring of apiaries, control of bee movements and timely elimination of dysfunctional colonies, which are key to preventing the spread of American foulbrood.

Tintelnotia destructans invasive rhinosinusitis in an immunocompromised child: A case-report and review of the literature

Tintelnotia destructans is a recently described fungus within the family Phaeosphaeriaceae, previously reported only in superficial human infections such as keratitis, onychomycosis, and non-invasive sinus fungus ball. We describe the first case of invasive rhinosinusal infection due to this pathogen in a child with severe aplastic anemia. Diagnosis was established by histopathology showing submucosal fungal invasion and broad-range fungal PCR targeting 18S rRNA identifying T. destructans. Combined endoscopic surgical debridement, antifungal therapy (liposomal amphotericin B and isavuconazole) and immune reconstitution after emergency haplo-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplant ultimately led to complete recovery without recurrence 18 months after treatment, despite continued therapeutic immunosuppression for GvHD. This case expands the known pathogenic spectrum of T. destructans, demonstrating its potential to cause invasive disease in severely immunocompromised hosts. Advances in molecular diagnostic tools may expand the spectrum of fungi causing invasive fungal infections by identification of novel pathogenic species.

Clinicomycological Evaluation and Therapeutic Management of Secondary Malassezia pachydermatis Dermatitis Associated with Generalized Demodicosis in Dog

Aim: To describe the clinicomycological, cytological, antifungal susceptibility and therapeutic findings of secondary Malassezia pachydermatis dermatitis associated with generalised demodicosis in a Pug and to emphasise the importance of an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Presentation of case: An 8-year-old female Pug weighing 8.5 kg was presented with a 6-month history of generalised pruritus, alopecia, greasy seborrhoea, hyperpigmentation, lichenification and characteristic foul odour. Generalised demodicosis was diagnosed based on deep skin scrapings. Cutaneous cytology using Diff-Quik and New Methylene Blue staining revealed numerous budding yeast cells suggestive of Malassezia spp. Fungal culture followed by phenotypic characterisation confirmed the isolate as Malassezia pachydermatis, while antifungal susceptibility testing by the disc diffusion method supported the selection of itraconazole for systemic therapy. The dog was treated with an isoxazoline-based acaricide for generalised demodicosis, along with oral itraconazole and topical chlorhexidine–miconazole shampoo. Supportive treatment was also provided. The treatment resulted in the resolution of the cutaneous lesions and progressive hair regrowth, with complete clinical recovery. The dog was followed for one month after completion of treatment, during which no recurrence of dermatological lesions was observed. Discussion: Generalised demodicosis may predispose dogs to secondary Malassezia overgrowth through disruption of the skin barrier and alteration of local immune responses. A combination of parasitological, cytological and mycological investigations facilitates a definitive diagnosis, while antifungal susceptibility testing may assist in selecting appropriate therapy. Concurrent treatment of the underlying demodicosis and secondary Malassezia dermatitis is important for achieving clinical resolution and reducing the risk of recurrence. Conclusion: This case highlights the usefulness of integrated clinicomycological, parasitological and cytological investigations in the diagnosis and management of canine Malassezia dermatitis associated with generalised demodicosis. Early recognition and concurrent treatment of both conditions resulted in complete clinical resolution, with no recurrence observed during the one-month follow-up period.

Onychomycosis Caused by Kodamaea ohmeri in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – A Case Report