CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS IN INDIA

Background Chromoblastomycosis is reported for the first time from the states of Jammu-Kashmir and Bihar along with two additional cases fro m the states of Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The work carried out on this disease in the Indian subcontinent is reviewed. Methods Relevant mycol ogic investigations, including direct microscopy, histopathology, and culture, were carried out to study the four cases. Treatment was given to two patients. Results The duration of the lesions varied from 5 to 32 years. In one case the lesion was a large erythematous plaque on t he buttocks extending to the backs of the thighs, and in the others th ey were hypertrophic lesions on the extremities. Histopathologic study of specimens carried out in three patients revealed the causative org anisms. On culture, Cladosporium carrionii was isolated in one and Fon secaea species in the other three. The lesions in one patient were sur gically excised and another patient responded well to a combined regim en of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine. Conclusions Although chromo blastomycosis is widely distributed in India, many patients remain und iagnosed due to a lack of proper facilities. Treatment is difficult an d most patients are not able to afford the drugs prescribed for this c ondition.