Alternariosis: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}}<br> | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Alternariosis | |||
| image = [[File:Alternariosis_2.jpg|alt=Alternariosis]] | |||
| caption = Skin lesions caused by ''Alternaria'' species | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Skin lesions]], [[sinusitis]], [[asthma]] | |||
| complications = [[Chronic sinusitis]], [[allergic reactions]] | |||
| onset = Varies | |||
| duration = Chronic or acute | |||
| causes = ''[[Alternaria]]'' species | |||
| risks = [[Immunocompromised]] individuals, [[allergy]] sufferers | |||
| diagnosis = [[Culture (microbiology)|Culture]], [[biopsy]], [[imaging]] | |||
| differential = [[Aspergillosis]], [[candidiasis]], [[dermatophytosis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of mold exposure | |||
| treatment = [[Antifungal]] medications, [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Itraconazole]], [[voriconazole]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on immune status | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A fungal infection caused by ''Alternaria'' species}} | {{Short description|A fungal infection caused by ''Alternaria'' species}} | ||
'''Alternariosis''' is a [[fungal infection]] caused by species of the genus ''[[Alternaria]]''. These fungi are commonly found in the environment and can affect both plants and humans. In humans, alternariosis is considered an [[opportunistic infection]], primarily affecting individuals with compromised immune systems. | '''Alternariosis''' is a [[fungal infection]] caused by species of the genus ''[[Alternaria]]''. These fungi are commonly found in the environment and can affect both plants and humans. In humans, alternariosis is considered an [[opportunistic infection]], primarily affecting individuals with compromised immune systems. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
''Alternaria'' species are [[saprophytic fungi]] that thrive in decaying organic matter. They are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in soil, air, and on plants. In humans, infection occurs when the spores of ''Alternaria'' are inhaled or come into contact with the skin. The fungi can cause a range of symptoms depending on the site of infection. | ''Alternaria'' species are [[saprophytic fungi]] that thrive in decaying organic matter. They are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in soil, air, and on plants. In humans, infection occurs when the spores of ''Alternaria'' are inhaled or come into contact with the skin. The fungi can cause a range of symptoms depending on the site of infection. | ||
==Clinical Manifestations== | ==Clinical Manifestations== | ||
===Cutaneous Alternariosis=== | ===Cutaneous Alternariosis=== | ||
Cutaneous alternariosis is the most common form of the infection. It typically presents as chronic, non-healing skin lesions that may appear as nodules, plaques, or ulcers. These lesions are often found on exposed areas of the body, such as the hands and face. | Cutaneous alternariosis is the most common form of the infection. It typically presents as chronic, non-healing skin lesions that may appear as nodules, plaques, or ulcers. These lesions are often found on exposed areas of the body, such as the hands and face. | ||
===Respiratory Alternariosis=== | ===Respiratory Alternariosis=== | ||
Inhalation of ''Alternaria'' spores can lead to respiratory symptoms, particularly in individuals with [[asthma]] or [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to [[allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis]]. | Inhalation of ''Alternaria'' spores can lead to respiratory symptoms, particularly in individuals with [[asthma]] or [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to [[allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis]]. | ||
===Systemic Alternariosis=== | ===Systemic Alternariosis=== | ||
Systemic infection is rare and usually occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as those with [[HIV/AIDS]], [[cancer]], or those undergoing [[immunosuppressive therapy]]. It can lead to widespread dissemination of the fungus, affecting multiple organs and systems. | Systemic infection is rare and usually occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as those with [[HIV/AIDS]], [[cancer]], or those undergoing [[immunosuppressive therapy]]. It can lead to widespread dissemination of the fungus, affecting multiple organs and systems. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of alternariosis is based on clinical presentation, histopathological examination, and culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Direct microscopy and culture can help identify the characteristic conidia of ''Alternaria'' species. Molecular techniques, such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR), may also be used for definitive identification. | Diagnosis of alternariosis is based on clinical presentation, histopathological examination, and culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Direct microscopy and culture can help identify the characteristic conidia of ''Alternaria'' species. Molecular techniques, such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR), may also be used for definitive identification. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of alternariosis involves the use of [[antifungal medications]]. The choice of antifungal agent depends on the severity and location of the infection. Commonly used antifungals include [[itraconazole]], [[voriconazole]], and [[amphotericin B]]. In cases of cutaneous infection, surgical excision of the lesions may be necessary. | Treatment of alternariosis involves the use of [[antifungal medications]]. The choice of antifungal agent depends on the severity and location of the infection. Commonly used antifungals include [[itraconazole]], [[voriconazole]], and [[amphotericin B]]. In cases of cutaneous infection, surgical excision of the lesions may be necessary. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures include minimizing exposure to ''Alternaria'' spores, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. This can be achieved by maintaining good indoor air quality, using air filtration systems, and avoiding activities that disturb soil or decaying plant matter. | Preventive measures include minimizing exposure to ''Alternaria'' spores, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. This can be achieved by maintaining good indoor air quality, using air filtration systems, and avoiding activities that disturb soil or decaying plant matter. | ||
==Related pages== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Fungal infection]] | * [[Fungal infection]] | ||
* [[Opportunistic infection]] | * [[Opportunistic infection]] | ||
* [[Immunocompromised host]] | * [[Immunocompromised host]] | ||
[[Category:Fungal diseases]] | [[Category:Fungal diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Opportunistic infections]] | [[Category:Opportunistic infections]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:18, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Alternariosis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Skin lesions, sinusitis, asthma |
| Complications | Chronic sinusitis, allergic reactions |
| Onset | Varies |
| Duration | Chronic or acute |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Alternaria species |
| Risks | Immunocompromised individuals, allergy sufferers |
| Diagnosis | Culture, biopsy, imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Aspergillosis, candidiasis, dermatophytosis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of mold exposure |
| Treatment | Antifungal medications, surgery |
| Medication | Itraconazole, voriconazole |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on immune status |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A fungal infection caused by Alternaria species
Alternariosis is a fungal infection caused by species of the genus Alternaria. These fungi are commonly found in the environment and can affect both plants and humans. In humans, alternariosis is considered an opportunistic infection, primarily affecting individuals with compromised immune systems.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Alternaria species are saprophytic fungi that thrive in decaying organic matter. They are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in soil, air, and on plants. In humans, infection occurs when the spores of Alternaria are inhaled or come into contact with the skin. The fungi can cause a range of symptoms depending on the site of infection.
Clinical Manifestations[edit]
Cutaneous Alternariosis[edit]
Cutaneous alternariosis is the most common form of the infection. It typically presents as chronic, non-healing skin lesions that may appear as nodules, plaques, or ulcers. These lesions are often found on exposed areas of the body, such as the hands and face.
Respiratory Alternariosis[edit]
Inhalation of Alternaria spores can lead to respiratory symptoms, particularly in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis.
Systemic Alternariosis[edit]
Systemic infection is rare and usually occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. It can lead to widespread dissemination of the fungus, affecting multiple organs and systems.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of alternariosis is based on clinical presentation, histopathological examination, and culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Direct microscopy and culture can help identify the characteristic conidia of Alternaria species. Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may also be used for definitive identification.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of alternariosis involves the use of antifungal medications. The choice of antifungal agent depends on the severity and location of the infection. Commonly used antifungals include itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. In cases of cutaneous infection, surgical excision of the lesions may be necessary.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include minimizing exposure to Alternaria spores, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. This can be achieved by maintaining good indoor air quality, using air filtration systems, and avoiding activities that disturb soil or decaying plant matter.
