Question

A woodworker presented with chronic localized infection of the skin on his lower legs and feet which were irregular, rough, cauliflower-like lesions. Microscopy of the biopsy shows copper penny-muriform cells and branched air bodies, the etiological agent is:

• A. Chromoblastomycosis
• B. Phaeohyphomycosis
• C. Chromomycosis
• D. Rhinosporidiosis

Hint:

Chromoblastomycosis is commonly seen in individuals who have occupational exposure to soil or wood, especially in tropical and subtropical areas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct etiological agent for the described skin infection is Chromoblastomycosis. Chromoblastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by different species of dematiaceous fungi and is characterized by chronic and persistent skin lesions that are rough and warty. The presence of copper penny-like muriform cells, as seen in the microscopy of the biopsy, supports the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis and Rhinosporidiosis are different fungal infections with different clinical and histopathological features. Chromomycosis is not a recognized medical term.