HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Molluscum-like cutaneous cryptococcosis: a histopathological and pathogenetic appraisal.

AbstractBACKGROUND:
Molluscum-like cutaneous cryptococcosis (MLCC) is characterized by hypopigmented or skin-colored papules with central umbilication. The histomorphological nuances of Cryptococcus neoformans infection that effect mimicry of molluscum contagiosum are undocumented. This histopathological study was undertaken to assess the histopathological characteristics of MLCC and to determine potential evolutionary pathogenetic mechanisms and significance.
METHODS:
A 5-year retrospective re-appraisal of cutaneous cryptococcosis biopsies with a clinical molluscum-like appearance.
RESULTS:
All 26 specimens with a molluscum-like appearance showed a dome-shaped architecture with central invagination and dermal C. neoformans of varying size and shape, with capsular fragmentation; 20 biopsies had a paucireactive appearance and 6 combined granulomatous and paucireactive foci. Twenty, two and four biopsies showed transepidermal, transfollicular and combined transepidermal and transfollicular elimination (TFE) of fungi, necrobiotic collagen and debris through the central invagination, respectively. Subepithelial neutrophils and collagen necrobiosis were identified in 8 and 14 cases each, respectively. Varying sized and shaped yeasts, capsules of varying width, capsular fragmentation and collagen necrobiosis were ultrastructurally confirmed.
CONCLUSION:
Transepithelial and TFE of C. neoformans, necrobiotic collagen, inflammatory cells and cellular debris account for the morphological attributes of MLCC. The eliminatory process is a potential public health hazard, serving as a vehicle for C. neoformans transfer to the exterior.
AuthorsPratistadevi K Ramdial, Eduardo Calonje, Yetish Sing, Nivesh A Chotey, Jamila Aboobaker
JournalJournal of cutaneous pathology (J Cutan Pathol) Vol. 35 Issue 11 Pg. 1007-13 (Nov 2008) ISSN: 1600-0560 [Electronic] United States
PMID18537859 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Topics
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Cryptococcosis (microbiology, pathology)
  • Cryptococcus neoformans (isolation & purification, physiology, ultrastructure)
  • Dermatomycoses (microbiology, pathology)
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epidermis (microbiology, pathology)
  • Female
  • Hair Follicle (microbiology, pathology)
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molluscum Contagiosum (microbiology, pathology)
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: