SCHIZOPHYLLUM-COMMUNE - AN UNUSUAL ISOLATE FROM A PATIENT WITH ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS

We describe the first case of allergic fungal simusitis (AFS) associat ed with Schizophyllum commune. Histological diagnosis was made on the mucinous material from the sinus which contained eosinophils, fungal h yphae and Charcot-Leyden crystals. The fungal isolate was identified a s S. commune on the basis of its colonial morphology and minute peg-li ke outgrowths from vegetative hyphae and clamp connections. The optima l treatment of AFS is not known but may involve surgical debridement f ollowing by systemic corticosteroids, gradually reduced, with the pati ent being maintained on inhaled corticosteroids. Oral itraconazole cou ld be added to the regimen of those patients in whom frequent recurren ces occur after debridement or when there is histological evidence of severe pressure erosion.