Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (7)

Alternariosis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Alternariosis

Contributors: Amanda Robinson MD, Alexa Kimball MD, Jeffrey D. Bernhard MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Alternaria is the genus for a dematiaceous hyphomycete (conidial fungi that produce dark brown, green-black, or black colonies) found in the soil, in decaying plant material, and on normal human and animal skin. Alternaria has been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic sinusitis and rhinitis. It can be pathogenic in humans, most often in immunocompromised hosts. Multiple clinical manifestations have been documented including ocular infections, onychomycosis, cutaneous and subcutaneous infections, granulomatous pulmonary disease, soft palate perforation, and disseminated disease. Cutaneous infection occurs either by traumatic inoculation of fungal elements into the skin or by systemic spread.

The two species most frequently isolated from clinical samples are A. alternata and A. infectoria. Microscopically, Alternaria spp. appear as branched septate hyphae with hand grenade-shaped conidia. On histology, a mixed inflammatory infiltrate and granulomas are typical. Granuloma formation is usually observed in older lesions that have been present for at least 3-months evolution. Hyphal elements are usually present and can be visualized with Fontana-Masson staining.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B48.8 – Other specified mycoses

SNOMEDCT:
238436005 – Cutaneous alternariosis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:11/10/2021
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Alternariosis
A medical illustration showing key findings of Alternariosis : Gardener, Plaque with ulcer, Skin trauma site
Clinical image of Alternariosis - imageId=4773799. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a crusted and scaly plaque in a patient with CLL.'
A close-up of a crusted and scaly plaque in a patient with CLL.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.