Fungal Sensitization and Human Allergic Disease.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Fungal sensitizations have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions with variable levels of evidence available to link types of fungi with human disease. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature to identify the strength of evidence linking lesser-studied fungi for which there are commercially available extracts to identify populations in which they were useful in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Excluding five fungi for which hundreds of articles were identified, there are 54 articles on the remaining fungi with clinical data. For 12 of the fungi, the prevalence of fungal sensitization varies in different hypersensitivity disorders due to factors related to geographic areas, age, and other underlying medical conditions. There were no studies linking seven genera to human disease. Most of the commercially available fungal extracts are uncommonly associated with hypersensitivity reactions in humans. Specific extracts may be useful in particular disease states such as allergic fungal sinusitis or allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, or when routine testing fails to identify a cause of uncontrolled disease, such as in asthma.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides associated with follicular mucinosis: A case report and mini review.

Key Clinical Message: F-MF is a rare non-classic variant of MF. In the case of hair loss, this should be a diagnostic consideration. The essence of the diagnosis of F-MF is a careful medical history, physical examination, and a combination of immunohistological and molecular analyses (Cureus. 2022; 14:e21231, Ann Saudi Med. 2012; 32:283, Oman Med J. 2012; 27:134, Int J Dermatol. 2016; 55:1396, Saudi Med J. 2018; 39:994 and Case Rep Oncol. 2018; 11:436). Abstract: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with multiple subtypes. Follicular MF (F-MF) is a non-classic variant of MF. Histological features entail folliculotropism and damage of the epithelium lining of the hair follicles with or without mucin deposition. A 52-year-old male patient complained of recurrent skin lesions on the scalp over 8 months. The lesions appeared suddenly, enlarged over time, and became itchy. A skin punch biopsy was performed. Histological features included mucin deposits in the epithelium of the hair follicles and dense, predominantly perifollicular atypical lymphocytes infiltrating the follicular epithelium. The lymphoid cells were composed of CD3-positive T cells (CD4/CD8-positive T cells) with a shift in favor of the former. The case was diagnosed as F-MF on an immunohistological basis. The diagnosis of F-MF is often difficult for dermatologists and dermatopathologists alike. Not only clinicopathological correlations but also immunohistochemical and molecular analysis are required.

Radiation-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma showing a significant response to pembrolizumab: A case report.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) arising from radiation dermatitis has a higher risk of metastasis than conventional cSCC. Immunosuppression is another risk factor for cSCC, suggesting that mycosis fungoides (MF) could be a risk factor for cSCC. Here we report a case of radiation-induced cSCC with a high level of tumor-mutation burden that developed in a patient with MF who was successfully treated with pembrolizumab. The present case suggests that pembrolizumab might be an optimal therapy for radiation-induced cSCC, even at advanced stages.

Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis due to Schizophyllum commune in a patient with chronic hepatitis B.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophyllum commune (S. commune) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus and can cause infection of the respiratory system in immunocompromised hosts. Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is the major disease caused by S. commune. However, identification of S. commune using routine mycological diagnostic methods is difficult. It is easy to make mistakes in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in deterioration of the disease. We report the first case of ABPM due to S. commune in a Chinese patient with chronic hepatitis B. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented cough, sputum and dyspnea for six months. The pathogen was missed during routine laboratory workup. We performed bronchoscopy examination and bronchoalveolar lavage. S. commune was identified by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hence, the patient was immediately treated with 200 mg voriconazole twice daily (intravenous infusion) and 20 mg prednisone once a day (oral therapy), along with oral entecavir for hepatitis B. There was no recurrence of infection after the medication was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: S. commune infection should be considered in the diagnosis of patients with refractory cough, sputum and dyspnea, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The mNGS technique is an effective supplementary technique for the diagnosis of S. commune infection, enabling precise clinical decision-making and appropriate treatment. Most patients have good prognosis with a combination of proper antifungal therapy and hormonal therapy.

Decoding Early Mycosis Fungoides: Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Clues.

INTRODUCTION: Primary cutaneous lymphomas, notably mycosis fungoides (MF), present diagnostic challenges in recognizing early mycosis fungoides (eMF) due to their diverse clinical and histopathologic manifestations. The aim of our study was to use adjunctive histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods in eMF cases to make an early diagnosis and to facilitate differentiation from other dermatoses. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 35 cases of eMF diagnosed at a single center. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were collected, and histopathologic features were assessed. Comparative analyses were conducted with conditions mimicking eMF, including large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP), psoriasis, and chronic dermatitis. Immunohistochemistry for T-cell markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD2, CD7) was performed. RESULTS: With the scoring we applied in our study, a sensitivity of 91.43% (95% CI; 76.94% to 98.20%) and specificity of 85.71% (95% CI; 69.74% to 95.19%) for distinguishing eMF from LPP. Epidermotropism emerged as a crucial histopathologic marker, with a notable absence in most cases of cutaneous dermatitis (81.6% and 80% for CD and psoriasis, respectively) (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed a T-helper phenotype (CD4+/CD8-) in the majority of eMF cases (78.1%), while CD4+/CD8+ and CD8+/CD4- patterns were less common (28.5% and 8.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the complexities in distinguishing eMF from inflammatory skin diseases, advocating for a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Experience With Bexarotene to Treat Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: A Study of the Spanish Working Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas. / [[Artículo traducido]]Experiencia con bexaroteno en linfoma cutáneo de células T: un estudio del Grupo Español de Linfomas Cutáneos (GELC).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bexarotene has been approved to treat advanced stage cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) since 1999. However, very few data have been published on its long-term safety and efficacy profile. The aim of this study is to determine the tolerability to bexarotene and outcomes by collecting the 2nd largest case series to date on its long-term use vs CTCL. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a multicenter retrospective review of 216 patients with mycosis fungoides (174), or Sézary syndrome (42) on a 10-year course of bexarotene alone or in combinationwith other therapies at 19 tertiary referral teaching hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 133 men (62%) and 83 women (38%) were included, with a mean age of 63.5 year (27-95). A total of 45% were on bexarotene monotherapy for the entire study period, 22% started on bexarotene but eventually received an additional therapy, 13% were on another treatment but eventually received bexarotene while the remaining 20% received a combination therapy since the beginning. The median course of treatment was 20.78 months (1-114); and the overall response rate, 70.3%. Complete and partial response rates were achieved in 26% and 45% of the patients, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated, being the most common toxicities hypertriglyceridemia (79%), hypercholesterolemia (71%), and hypothyroidism (52%). No treatment-related grade 5 adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms bexarotene is a safe and effective therapy for the long-term treatment of CTCL.

Successful ultrathin bronchoscopy with cryobiopsy for diagnosing and removing mucus plugs in allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis mimicking lung cancer.

In patients presenting with abnormal pulmonary nodules, especially those with a history of asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis should be considered. Eosinophil counts and IgE levels should be checked in such patients.

Disseminated Rasamsonia argillacea complex infection presenting as intraventricular brain hemorrhage in a German shepherd dog in Australia.

A German Shepherd Dog diagnosed with Rasamsonia argillacea based on fungal culture and DNA sequencing, is the first documented case in Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere. This species is part of R. argillacea complex, which is an emerging concern in immunocompromised human and veterinary patients. Intraventricular brain hemorrhage, noted on MRI, has not been reported previously in a dog with fungal encephalitis. The patient was euthanized due to progression of clinical signs before a final diagnosis was made, so no treatment was attempted in this case.

Paracoccidioidomycosis after eyebrow micropigmentation: Unusual reactivation or a new form of transmission by cutaneous inoculation?

We report a case of unusual paracoccidioidomycosis reactivation after eyebrow micropigmentation in a Brazilian patient. The cutaneous lesion was the only clinical manifestation. Direct cutaneous inoculation in dermal tissues with Paracoccidioides sp. is extremely rare, explaining why paracoccidioidomycosis is not classically considered a cutaneous implantation mycosis.

Beyond conventional approaches: Enhancing photodynamic therapy for refractory feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis.

Male cat, 2 years old, with a refractory infection by Sporothrix brasiliensis, presents a single nodular lesion in the left auricular pavilion. To confirm the diagnosis, cytology, fungal culture, antifungal susceptibility test, molecular analysis, and, to aid in the differential diagnosis, bacterial culture, antibiogram, and histopathology of the lesion were performed. In the absence of therapeutic success with conventional antifungals, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was introduced, demonstrating a satisfactory response in the sixth treatment session.

A Case Report of Mycosis Fungoides Presenting With Blister Formation.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a usually indolent course. Early detection is crucial for effective intervention. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with MF exhibiting blistering as a rare precursor symptom. Despite initial treatment for eczema, the condition worsened over 10 months, leading to erythema, edema, and enlarged lymph nodes. Laboratory and imaging findings confirmed the diagnosis of MF. The patient responded partially to cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/prednisone in combination with brentuximab vedotin (A-CHP) therapy. This case highlights the significance of recognizing blistering as a prodromal symptom for early detection and management of MF.

Waxy papules, infiltrated alopecic plaques, and shin ichthyosis.

A 38-year-old male presented with waxy papules, plaques over the neck and extremities, and ichthyotic scales over the lower limbs. Skin biopsy revealed a dense medium-sized lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis, with perifollicular accentuation and focal exocytosis into the follicular epithelium with strong positivity for CD 3, 4, and 5. Considering the clinicopathological correlation, a diagnosis of follicular mycosis fungoides (FMF) was made. It is a variant of classic mycosis fungoides (MF) where atypical cells invade the follicular epithelium.

Bronchiectasis Severity Index and FACED scores in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis complicating asthma: do they correlate with immunological severity or high-attenuation mucus?

BACKGROUND: The utility of two disease-severity indices, namely bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED score in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the BSI and FACED scores with immunological parameters (serum IgE [total and A. fumigatus-specific], A. fumigatus-specific IgG, blood eosinophil count), and high-attenuation mucus on chest computed tomography in ABPA. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the correlation between BSI and FACED scores and correlate the BSI/FACED scores with the bronchiectasis health questionnaire (BHQ) and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). METHODS: We included treatment-naïve ABPA subjects with bronchiectasis in a prospective observational study. We computed the BSI and FACED scores for each subject before initiating treatment. The subjects also completed two quality-of-life questionnaires (BHQ and SGRQ). RESULTS: We included 91 subjects. The mean (standard deviation) BSI and FACED scores were 3.43 (3.39) and 1.43 (1.27). We found no correlation between BSI or FACED with any immunological parameter or high-attenuation mucus. There was a strong correlation between BSI and FACED scores (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). We found a weak correlation between BSI and BHQ/SGRQ and FACED and SGRQ. CONCLUSION: We found no correlation between BSI and FACED with immunological parameters in ABPA. However, we found a significant correlation between BSI and FACED and a weak correlation between SGRQ and BHQ. ABPA likely requires a separate disease-severity scoring system.

Tailoring Radiation Therapy for Patients With Limited Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: Preliminary Clinical Experience With Subtotal Skin Electron Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is an effective treatment for managing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), but may result in unnecessary toxicity. With the production of a custom rolling shield holding a configurable stack of plastic slats to block uninvolved skin, we implemented a program for subtotal skin electron beam therapy (STSEBT). We report our preliminary experience with STSEBT vs. TSEBT to manage CTCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 32 CTCL patients who were treated at a single institution between February 28th, 2017, and May 25th, 2022, was completed. Of these cases, seven patients received STSEBT and 25 received TSEBT. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent a course of STSEBT or TSEBT. The median follow-up was 465 days and the median age at diagnosis was 70.8 years. Stage distribution was as follows: one (3%) IA, 16 (50%) IB, 6 (19%) IIB, two (6%) IIIA, five (16%) IVA, and two (6%) IVB. The overall response rate was 96%. For patients receiving TSEBT (n=25), three (12%), 10 (40%), and 11 (44%) had a CR, NCR, and PR, respectively. For the patients receiving STSEBT, four (57.1%), three (42.9%), and zero (0%) had a CR, NCR, and PR, respectively. There was one patient (4%) with no response. Cumulative incidence of progressive skin disease requiring additional electron therapy at three months was 21.1% [IQR=8.6, 51.5%], 36.8% [IQR=20, 68%] at six months, and 57.9% [IQR=38.5, 87.1%] at one year. Low rates of toxicities were recorded. CONCLUSION: This analysis demonstrated that treatment of CTCL patients with low disease burden with STSEBT results in similar overall response and time to progression compared to treatment with TSEBT.

An occurrence of eosinophilic folliculitis and alopecia associated with a sustained complete response to mogamulizumab in Sézary syndrome: a case report.

Mogamulizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), initiating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. CCR4 is highly expressed in the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma subtypes mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (SS), and mogamulizumab has been shown to be effective in patients with these conditions who were refractory to at least one prior systemic treatment. One of the more common adverse events encountered with mogamulizumab is rash, which may mimic disease progression and lead to premature discontinuation. Moreover, there has been some evidence to suggest that mogamulizumab-associated rash (MAR) is associated with improved outcomes in some patients, particularly those with SS. This report presents the case of a 72-year-old woman with SS, which manifested with macular and papular lesions and abnormal blood cytometry, who was treated with mogamulizumab after failure of bexarotene and photopheresis combination therapy. She achieved a complete response (CR), but experienced lymphopenia associated with histologically proven eosinophilic folliculitis (EF) of the scalp and alopecia. The EF responded well to initial topical corticosteroids, defined by regression of erythema and pustular involvement and reduction in pruritus-like symptoms, but without hair regrowth. Mogamulizumab was withdrawn after 32 cycles, but CR was maintained. To date, EF persists in the form of diffuse erythema without pustules or pruritus. A link between cluster of differentiation 4 lymphopenia and EF has previously been established; therefore, EF should be considered in patients who develop rash and lymphopenia while receiving treatment with mogamulizumab. MAR has been associated with clinical response to mogamulizumab, and this case report adds to the evidence that EF may also be associated with sustained clinical response following treatment cessation. However, regular monitoring is required to prevent a relapse of SS. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether such an association between EF and CR following mogamulizumab exists.