It is the cache of ${baseHref}. It is a snapshot of the page. The current page could have changed in the meantime.
Tip: To quickly find your search term on this page, press Ctrl+F or ⌘-F (Mac) and use the find bar.

Atypical cutaneous lesions of Penicillium marneffei infection as a manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy Saikia L, Nath R, Hazarika D, Mahanta J - Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
 IADVL
Indexed with PubMed and Science Citation Index (E) 
 
Users online: 219 
     Home | Feedback | Login 
About Current Issue Archive Ahead of print Search Instructions Online Submission Subscribe What's New Contact  
  Navigate here 
  Search
 
   Next article
   Previous article 
   Table of Contents
  
 Resource links
   Similar in PUBMED
    Search Pubmed for
    Search in Google Scholar for
  Related articles
   Article in PDF (1,131 KB)
   Citation Manager
   Access Statistics
   Reader Comments
   Email Alert *
   Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article
   Abstract
   Introduction
   Case Report
   Discussion
   Acknowledgment
   References
   Article Figures

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed 3361    
    Printed 68    
    Emailed 1    
    PDF Downloaded 136    
    Comments  [Add]    
    Cited by others  11    

Recommend this journal

 


 
CASE REPORT
Year : 2010  |  Volume : 76  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 45-48

Atypical cutaneous lesions of Penicillium marneffei infection as a manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy


1 Department of Microbiology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh - 786 002, India
2 Department of Dermatology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh - 786 002, India
3 Regional Medical Research Centre, Lahowal, Dibrugarh - 786 002, India

Date of Web Publication 6-Jan-2010

Correspondence Address:
Lahari Saikia
Department of Microbiology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh - 786 002
India
Login to access the Email id


DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.58678

PMID: 20061730

Get Permissions

  Abstract  

Penicillium marneffei infections normally manifest as molluscum contagiosum like skin lesion in HIV-infected persons. We report a case with verrucous lesions over nose and face due to Penicillium marneffei infection after HAART treatment. A 28-year-old man presented, after two weeks of HAART treatment, with multiple erythematous, scaly, papules and nodules with central necrosis predominantly in face and both extremities and scrotum. Microbiological investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Penicillium marneffei infection. This is perhaps the first case report with such manifestation due to Penicillium marneffei infection.


Keywords: Highly active antiretroviral therapy, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, Penicillium marneffei


How to cite this article:
Saikia L, Nath R, Hazarika D, Mahanta J. Atypical cutaneous lesions of Penicillium marneffei infection as a manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2010;76:45-8

How to cite this URL:
Saikia L, Nath R, Hazarika D, Mahanta J. Atypical cutaneous lesions of Penicillium marneffei infection as a manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol [serial online] 2010 [cited 2014 Mar 11];76:45-8. Available from: http://www.ijdvl.com/text.asp?2010/76/1/45/58678



  Introduction   Top


The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has markedly decreased the overall morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected patients. [1] Treatment of HIV infection with HAART appears to restore pathogen specific immune response resulting in prevention or regression of diseases caused by opportunistic pathogens. However, some patients experience a dysregulated restoration of antigen-specific immunity leading to an exaggerated or inappropriate inflammatory response known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), usually within a few weeks to months after the start of HAART. [2] This occurs as a result of partial recovery of the immune system, manifested by increase in CD4 T-lymphocyte count and decrease in plasma HIV-1 viral load. [2] There is no generally accepted case definition for IRIS. In India, the agreed practical definition of IRIS would be the "occurrence or manifestations of new opportunistic infections (OIs) or existing OIs within six weeks to six months after initiating ART; with an increase in CD4 count". [3] The inflammatory response can result in a spectrum of presentations ranging from clinical deterioration of previously treated opportunistic infection (OI) or atypical appearance of an unrecognized OI to even autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. [2],[4] Cutaneous immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is described in relation to a wide range of conditions, the commonest being herpes zoster and herpes simplex. [5] We present a patient who developed extensive atypical cutaneous lesions of Penicillium marneffei infection as a manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after being started on HAART.


  Case Report   Top


A 28-year-old man presented to integrated counselling and testing centre (ICTC) of Assam Medical College with a three-month history of fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, cough and oral thrush without any skin lesions. The patient was counselled and after informed consent he was tested seropositive for HIV infection. His haemoglobin was 8.6 gm/ dl, total leucocyte count 3, 400/μl of blood and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 30 mm at the end of first hour. Liver enzymes were raised (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] 171 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase [ALT] 54 IU/L, serum alkaline phosphatase [SAP] 301 IU/L, total serum bilirubin 1.08 mg%) and ultrasound revealed hepatoslenomegaly with contracted gall bladder. Screening of blood for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were negative. Chest X-ray was normal and sputum was negative for acid fast bacilli (AFB). The CD41 cell counts were decreased to 47 cells/μl. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was initiated with three drugs (stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine) along with fluconazole and cotrimoxazole. After two weeks of treatment, the patient developed multiple erythematous, scaly, papules and nodules with central necrosis predominantly in face and both the extremities and scrotum [Figure 1]a. Lesions on alae nasi showed crustation with verrucous plaque. A differential diagnosis of lupus vulgaris and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) with HIV infection was considered and skin biopsy was sent for histopathological examination which revealed focal areas of necrosis with few neutrophils and several Periodic acid Schiff positive yeast like cells [Figure 2]a. Leishman's stain and culture from aspirated skin material in Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) was performed for isolation and confirmation of the fungus. Leishman's stain revealed plenty of intracellular and extracellular septate yeast like cells. Culture of aspirated material in Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) showed flat, glabrous, moist, radially folded colonies with diffusible red pigment after 5 days of incubation at 25ΊC [Figure 2]b. Microscopic examination revealed septate hyphae with lateral and terminal conidiophores and chains of ovate conidia characteristic of Penicillium species. To confirm as Penicillium marneffei, mold-to-yeast conversion was demonstrated by subculturing onto brain heart infusion agar and incubating at 37°C. His repeat CD4+ cell counts were 160 cells/μl of blood. Blood culture was done in duplicate and did not show growth of Penicillium marneffei till 28 days of incubation.

He was admitted to the Dermatology department and fluconazole was stopped. He was treated with intravenous amphotericin B (0.6 mg/kg/day). After getting the first dose of amphotericin-B the patient refused to stay in the hospital; amphotericin B was stopped and followed up with oral itaconazole (400 mg/ day). He was advised to come after two months. At follow-up, after two months, his skin lesions disappeared completely, weight had increased from initial 54 kg to 68 kg and general condition improved markedly [Figure 1]b. Oral Itraconazole was continued on maintenance with 200 mg/day along with HAART.


  Discussion   Top


Penicillium marneffei is a pathogenic dimorphic fungus, endemic in South East Asia, Manipur of North East India and is considered as an AIDS defining illness. [6],[7] Typically, penicillosis presents as a subacute febrile illness with or without pulmonary infiltration and characteristic molluscum contagiosum like skin lesions that occur on the face, upper trunk and extremities. [6],[7] There are several reports from South East Asia and Manipur with typical dermatological lesions that resolve after initiation of HAART and specific antifungal therapy (Amphotericin-B and itraconazole). [6],[7] This case report will add a new manifestation to the clinical profile of Penicillium marneffei infection. Initially the lesions were confused with lupus vulgaris and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) by clinicians but diagnosis of Penicillium marneffei as the aetiology could only be confirmed after laboratory help.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is mostly seen in profoundly immunosuppressed patients (with CD41 T-cell counts of less than 100 cells/μl) when put on HAART. As a consequence of restoration of the immune responses, dormant pathogens show overt clinical manifestation. Skin is the most common organ for visible manifestation of immune reconstitution syndrome after HAART. [2],[5] Penicillium marneffei infection occurs late in the course of HIV infection when the CD41 cell count is consistently less than 50 cells/μl. [6],[7] As these patients are commonly infected with multiple pathogens, diagnosis is often difficult. In these cases single etiologic agent may cause diverse clinical features, diverse etiologic agents may cause a single morphological presentation. Further, differential diagnosis in an HIV patient presenting with erythematous, scaly, papules and verrucous plaque can happen with multiple opportunistic infections like mycobacterial infection and histoplasmosis. These need epidemiological evidence for clinical suspicion. Occult Penicillium marneffei infection during immune restoration often presents as a sudden onset of many skin lesions or exacerbation of inflammation of pre-existing lesions due to Penicillium marneffei. [8]


  Acknowledgment   Top


Authors thank Dr. A.K. Borthakur, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, for his cooperation in making the diagnosis.

 
  References   Top

1. Mocroft A, Ledergerber B, Katlama C, Kirk O, Reiss P, d'Arminio Monforte A, et al. Decline in the AIDS and death rates in the EuroSIDA study: An observational study. Lancet 2003;362:22-9.  Back to cited text no. 1      
2. French MA, Lenzo N, John M, Mallal SA, McKinnon EJ, Jmes IR, et al. Immune restoration disease after the treatment of immunodeficient HIV-infected patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy. HIV Med 2000;1:107-15.  Back to cited text no. 2      
3. National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). Antiretroviral Therapy Guidelines for HIV Infected Adults and Adolescent Including Post-exposure Prophylaxis. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; May 2007. p. 33.  Back to cited text no. 3      
4. Puthanakit T, Oberdorfer P, Akarathum N, Wannarit P, Sirisanthana T, Sirisanthana V. Immune reconstitution syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected Thai children. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:53-8.  Back to cited text no. 4  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
5. Ratnam I, Chiu C, Kandala NB, Easterbrook PJ. Incidence and risk factors for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an ethnically diverse HIV type 1-infected cohort. Clin Infect Dis 2006;42:418-27.  Back to cited text no. 5  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
6. Supparatpinyo K, Khamwan C, Baosoung V, Nelson KE, Sirisanthana T. Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in Southeast Asia. Lancet 1994; 344:110-3.  Back to cited text no. 6  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
7. Singh PN, Ranjana K, Singh YI, Singh KP, Sharma SS, M Kulachandra, et al. Indigenous disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in the state of Manipur, India: Report of four autochthonous cases. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37:2699-702.  Back to cited text no. 7      
8. Saikia L, Nath R, Biswanath P, Hazarika D, Mahanta J. Penicillium marneffei infection in HIV infected patients in Nagaland and Immune reconstitution after treatment. Indian J Med Res 2009;129:333-4.  Back to cited text no. 8  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]

This article has been cited by
1 Penicillium marneffei Infection in Immunocompromised Host
Maria Chitasombat,Khuanchai Supparatpinyo
Current Fungal Infection Reports. 2013; 7(1): 44
[Pubmed]
2 Facial eruption in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patient
Poonam Puri,V. Ramesh,Avninder Singh,Sumathi Muralidhar,Malini Rajeev Capoor
International Journal of Dermatology. 2012; 51(7): 777
[Pubmed]
3 Clinical characteristics and outcome of Penicillium marneffei infection among HIV-infected patients in northern Vietnam
Mattias Larsson,Lien Ha Nguyen,Heiman FL Wertheim,Trinh Dao,Walter Taylor,Peter Horby,Trung Nguyen,Minh Ha Nguyen,Thuy Le,Kinh Nguyen
AIDS Research and Therapy. 2012; 9(1): 24
[Pubmed]
4 Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome from Penicillium marneffei in an HIV-infected child: A case report and review of literature
Sudjaritruk, T., Sirisanthana, T., Sirisanthana, V.
BMC Infectious Diseases. 2012; 12(art ): 28
[Pubmed]
5 Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome from Penicillium marneffei in an HIV-infected child: a case report and review of literature
Tavitiya Sudjaritruk,Thira Sirisanthana,Virat Sirisanthana
BMC Infectious Diseases. 2012; 12(1): 28
[Pubmed]
6 Immune reconstitution syndrome and fungal infections
Gupta, A.O., Singh, N.
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2011; 24(6): 527-533
[Pubmed]
7 Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and tropical dermatoses
Amerson, E.H., Maurer, T.A.
Dermatologic Clinics. 2011; 29(1): 39-43
[Pubmed]
8 Immune reconstitution syndrome and fungal infections
Ashish O. Gupta,Nina Singh
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2011; 24(6): 527
[Pubmed]
9 Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome and Tropical Dermatoses
Erin Huiras Amerson,Toby A. Maurer
Dermatologic Clinics. 2011; 29(1): 39
[Pubmed]
10 Penicillium marneffei infection presenting as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV patient
Ho, A., Shankland, G.S., Seaton, R.A.
International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2010; 21(11): 780-782
[Pubmed]
11 Penicillium marneffei infection in an African man
Yap, F.B.-B., Thevarajah, S., Johar, A.
Dermatology Online Journal. 2010; 16(7)
[Pubmed]



 

Top
Print this article  Email this article
Previous article Next article

    

Online since 15th March '04
Published by Medknow