Extensive and deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. Interdigitalis in an HIV-1 positive patient

Background Cutaneous infections are common in HIV-1 positive patients and a re usually severe, recurrent, and caused by microorganisms that are unusual in immunocompetent patients. Objective We report a case of an HIV-1-positive 23-year-old male, with a hi story of intravenous drug use, in stage C-II (CDC '86), with a CD4 lymphocy te count of 335 cells/mm(3). He had multiple, large erythematous, circinate and pustular plaques on his abdomen, back, arms and legs. Results We isolated Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis from th e lesions. The biopsy showed suppurative deep dermatophytosis and folliculi tis. The patient satisfactorily responded to itraconazole (100 mg/d for 14 days). Conclusion This is the first reported case of deep dermatophytosis caused b y T. mentagrophytes in an HIV-positive patient.